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AP Psychology Ch.2

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128111273All-or-none principleThe fact that neurons fire down the complete length of the cell if a sufficient level of excitatory impulses are received
128111274SomaThe cell body containing the nucleus
128111275NeurotransmittersChemicals present in the brain that allow for message transmission among nerve cells
128111276EndorphinsBrain chemicals that moderate pain messages and produce feelings of pleasure
128111277NeuronsNerve cells
128111278DendriteFibers extending out from the soma of a neuron; receive incoming messages from adjoining neurons
128111279Motor neuronsNeurons in the peripheral nervous system that transport messages from spinal cord to muscles and glands
128111280Nodes of RanvierTiny gaps within the myelin sheath covering a nerve cell; may help speed impulses
128111281SynapseThe connection between neurons where neural message becomes chemical (carried by neurotransmitters)
128111282AxonThe part of the neuron conducting messages down the length of the cell toward connections with other neurons; usually the longest part of a neuron
128111283Myelin sheathA fatty protective layer that covers the axons of some nerve cells and helps speed transmission of neural impulses
128111284HormonesChemical secretions from the endocrine system that regulate many body functions
128111285Sensory neuronsNeurons that receive messages from sensory receptors and transmit that information to the spinal cord
128111286Terminal buttonsKnobs on the ends of axon terminal branches that contain neurotransmitters
128111287Receptor siteLocations on neurons receiving incoming messages; neurotransmitters fit into these sites
128111288NerveA number of axon fibers that are bunched together and relay neural information
128111289*Dendrites*The part of the neuron that receives incoming messages is the__________.
128111290*Myelin Sheath*Axons are often covered with a layer called the__________ that contain the nodes of Ranvier. This is also the area that is attacked by the disease multiple sclerosis.
128111291*Dendrites; Terminal Buttons*Transmission of a neural impulse travels from__________ at the receiving end of the cell to__________ at the other end of the cell (which will transmit message to adjoining cells).
128111292*Synapse*Nerual messages become chemical in nature and are transmitted by neurotransmitters across the__________.
128111293*Motor Neurons*__________ carry messages away from the spinal cord and brain.
128111294*Depolarization*When a cell is stimulated, positively charged sodium ions rush in, causing the area to become less negatively charged. This process is called__________.
128111295*Endorphins*The neurotransmitter that acts as a painkiller are__________.
128111296Autonomic nervous systemA part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates bodily processes such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion
128111297Spinal reflexAn immediate response to external stimuli directed at the level of the spinal cord
128111298Parasympathetic nervous systemA part of the peripheral nervous system that works in tandem with the sympathetic nervous system to restore the body's energy sources once they have been depleted
128111299Peripheral nervous systemA branch of the human nervous system that includes all components except the brain and spinal cord
128111300Spinal cordNerves that form the connections between the brain and the peripheral nervous system and are encased in the spine
128111301Somatic nervous systemThe part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements
128111302Central nervous systemThe part of the human nervous system that encompasses the brain and the spinal cord
128111303Sympathetic nervous systemA branch of the autonomic nervous system that helps an organism respond to demands the organism faces from the envirenment
128111304*Somatic*The__________ nervous system is made up of sensory and motor neurons.
128111305*Somatic; Autonomic*The peripheral nervous system has two divisions, the__________ and__________.
128111306*Sympathetic*The__________ part of your nervous system would be activated if you were walking down the street and realized that a truck was headed straight for you.
128111307Reticular formationA network of neurons involved in regulating attention, alertness, and arousal
128111308Limbic systemA set of structures in the brain especially involved in the experience of emotion
128111309Occipital lobesThe lobes at the back of the head that process visual stimuli
128111310MedullaThe part of the hindbrain involved in regulating vital life functions
128111311Frontal lobesThe lobes located at the top and front of the brain, most involved in higher-order functions
128111312CerebrumThe portion of the forebrain divided into two hemispheres
128111313HippocampusThe part of the limbic system most involved in the formation of memories
128111314HypothalamusA brain structure in the limbic system involved in many functions, including sexual reproduction, emotional reactions, and maintaining internal body temperature
128111315Parietal lobesLobes located in the upper back of the head; process information relating to touch, pressure, external temperature
128111316AmygdalaOne compnent of the limbic system; particularly involved in the experiences of fear, aggression
128111317ThalamusA forebrain structure that relays information on to different parts of the brain
128111318Temporal lobesLobes located on the sides of the head near the ear; primary function involves processing speech, sound
128111319Cerebral cortexThe outer covering of the cerebrum
128111320CerebellumA brain structure located in the back of the head; vital for balance and coordination
128111321*Corpus Callosum*The part of the brain that joins the cerebral hemispheres is the__________.
128111322*Limbic System*The amygdala, hippocampus, and parts of the thalamus and hypothalamus make up the__________.
128111323*Temporal*The__________ lobe of the brain is responsible for hearing.
128111324*Cerebral Cortex*The__________ makes up 80% of the brain's total mass.
128111325EEG (electroencephalograph)Equipment that measures brain waves
128111326Electrical recordingElectrodes in brain reveal brain changes
128111327PET (positron emission tomography) scanUsed to see the results of a radioactive isotope tracer
128111328CT (computed tomography) scanMeasures the reflection of an X-ray beam
128111329Electrical stimulationPassing a mild current through the brain
128111330MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)Measures atoms as they realign
128111331*CT Scan*A__________ is a brain research technique involving the use of X-rays.
128111332Split-brain patientsIndividuals for whom the corpus callosum has been severed due to brain illness
128111333Wernicke's areaA part of the brain, located on the temporal lobe, utilized in the processing of the meanings of speech
128111334LateralizationWhere the brain hemispheres have specialized with different functions
128111335PlasticityThe ability of other brain cells to take over functions of damaged or destroyed brain tissue
128111336Prefrontal cortexThe part of the brain in front of the motor cortex; involved in judgments, reasoning, and decision-making
128111337AphasiaLoss or impairment of language function
128111338Broca's areaA part of the brain involved in the production of speech; located on the frontal lobe
128111339StrokeWhen brain tissue has been damaged due to cerebral bleeding or a blockage
128111340ConcussionWhen brain tissue has been damaged due to a blow to the head
128111341EpilepsyA neurological disorder involving tremendous bursts of electrical activity in the brain
128111342LacerationInjury to the brain or other part of the body due to being cut and pierced
128111343*On most tasks, the two hemispheres work together.*A correct statement about brain lateralization.
128111344*Healthy brain cells may eventually assume some of lost functions.*Why is there some hope for recovery after strokes or other brain damage?
128111345*He will be unable ever to function effectively.*An individual suffers from a severe brain disease, and as a last resort physicians sever the corpus callosum. What is a false statement concerning the characteristics of the patient after surgery?
128111346Endocrine systemA system for regulating activities in the body by means of glandular secretions
128111347DiabetesA medical condition resulting when the pancreas produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin
128111348Adrenal glandGlands in the body that secrete stress hormones
128111349OvariesFemale reproductive gonads that secrete estrogen and produce egg cells
128111350Thyroid glandRegulates body metabolism; different hormone levels associated with differing behavioral characteristics
128111351Germ cellsThe cells that unite to create a new human organism
128111352PancreasAn organ in the body that regulates blood sugar concentration
128111353Pineal glandReleases serotonin; involved in sleep-wake cycles
128111354Pituitary glandThe "master gland"--secretes hormones that impact the functioning of other glands
128111355GonadsGlands related to sexual characteristics and the processes involved in reproduction
128111356HomeostasisA balanced internal body state
128111357TestesMale reproductive gonads that secrete testosterone and produce sperm
128111358PMS (premenstrual syndrome)A period of psychological and hormonal changes that occur a few days before the onset of the menstrual cycle
128111359*Endocrine*An effective communication system within the body, the__________ system utlizes the secretion of chemicals (hormones).
128111360*Hypothalamus*Hormones that promote muscle development are secreted by the__________.
128111361*Homeostasis*__________ is when the quantity of chemicals secreted is equaled by the quantity of chemicals absorbed.
128111362PhenotypeAn organism's observable traits
128111363Identical twinsTwins produced when one fertilized egg splits
128111364Adoptee studiesCompairing adopted children with biological and adoptive parents
128111365GenotypeUnderlying set of instructions determining organism's possible characteristics
128111366DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)The chemicals within chromosomes that determine genetic heritage
128111367ZygoteA single-celled organism resulting from the union of an egg and a sperm
128111368Concordance ratesThe percentage of cases where both twins share the same trait or disorder
128111369GenesBasic units of heredity; composed of DNA
128111370Polygenic traitsThe genetic source for many psychological characteristics
128111371Fraternal twinsTwins who develop from different eggs fertilized by different sperm; no more genetically alike than other siblings
128111372ChromosomesLong strands of genetic instructions found in the nuclei of cells
128111373Familial association studiesGenetic commonality is compared with exhibited traits
128111374Twin studiesInvestigating behavioral similarities between twins

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