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Meyers Psychology Chapter 2 - Neuroscience & Behavior Flashcards

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2913741323NeuronA nerve cell; basic building block of the nervous system0
2913743470DendriteThe bushy branches of a neuron that receives messages and send them toward the cell body (Listener)1
2913749967AxonThe extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages are passed to other neurons (Speaker)2
2913765488Myelin SheathA layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the fibers of many neurons; enables greater transmission speed of neural impulses3
2913773525Action PotentialA neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down the axon. Generated by the movement of positively charged atoms in and out of channels in the axon's membrane4
2913953228SynapseThe tiny gap between the axon and the dendrite5
2913957220NeurotransmittersChemical messengers that traverse the synaptic gap between neurons and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron6
2914041366Acetlycholine (ACh)A neurotransmitter that enables muscle action, learning, and memory. Malfunction causes Alzheimer's Disease7
2914108111DopamineA neurotransmitter that influences movement, learning, attention, & emotion. Excess linked to Schizophrenia and lack of causes tremors & Parkinson's disease8
2914114550SerotoninA neurotransmitter that effects MOOD, hunger, sleep, and arousal. Undersupply causes depression9
2914262747EndorphinsA neurotransmitter linked to pain control and pleasure. Our natural opiate (morphine/heroin)10
2914347872Central Nervous SystemBrain & Spinal Cord11
2914350108Peripheral Nervous SystemThe sensory and motor neurons that sonnects the CNS with the rest of the body12
2914361566Somatic Nervous SystemPart of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles13
2914371065Parasympathetic Nervous SystemPart of the Autonomic Nervous System that arouses the body in stressful situations14
2917185291Endocrine SystemThe set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to send chemical messages15
2917189676HormonesChemical messengers (part of endocrine system) that are produced in one tissue and affect another16
2917197379Adrenal GlandsPair of endocrine glands just above the kidneys that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine to arouse the body during stress17
2917204963Pituitary GlandEndocrines most influential gland, controlled by the hypothalamus, and regulates growth18
2917217263Electroencephalogram (EEG)Recording of brain waves (electrical activity). Measured with electrodes on the scalp19
2917225511Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ScanDisplay of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task20
2917236632Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Use of magnetic fields and radio waves to produce an image of the structures within the brain21
2917250718MedullaThe base of the brain stem; controls heartbeat and breathing22
2917257443Reticular FormationA nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal (consciousness)23
2917265378Cerebellum"Little brain" that coordinates movement and balance24
2917988872AmygdalaTwo neural clusters in the limbic system that are linked to emotion25
2917990000HypothalamusNeural structure that controls maintenance activities like eating, drinking, and body temp26
2917992147Cerebral CortexThe brain's information processing center made of interconnected neural cells that covers both hemispheres of the brain27
2917993820Frontal LobesPart of cerebral cortex in the front of the brain involving planning and judgement (contains the motor cortex)28
2917995266Parietal LobesPart of the cerebral cortex on top of the head that controls the sense (includes the sensory cortex)29
2917995755Occipital LobesPart of the cerebral cortex in the back of the head and controls vision30
2917996317Temporal LobesPart of the cerebral cortex lying above the ears that includes auditory areas31
2917998727Broca's AreaPart of the brain in the frontal lobe that controls language expression (speech)32
2917999660Wernicke's AreaPart of the brain in the left temporal lobe that controls languages reception (comprehension and expression)33
2918002125PlasticityThe brain's capacity for modification/Ability to reorganize neural pathways34
2918003280Corpus CallosumLarge band of nerves in the middle of the brain that connects the two hemispheres together and carries messages between them35

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