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AP Psychology Biological Psychology Flashcards

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6216410273NeuronNerve cell0
6216410274DendriteBranchlike parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information.1
6216410275AxonA threadlike extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.2
6216410276Synaptic vesiclesTiny pouches or sacs in the axon terminals that contain chemicals called neurotransmitters.3
6216410277NeurotransmitterChemical messenger specialized for communication from neuron to neuron4
6216410278SynapseSpace between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically5
6216410279Synaptic cleftA gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal6
6216410281ThresholdPotential necessary to trigger an action potential.7
6216410282Action potentialA neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.8
6216410283Refractory periodNeural Recharging9
6216410284Receptor siteLocations on a receptor neuron into which a specific neurotransmitter fits like a key into a lock.10
6216410285ReuptakeA neurotransmitter's reabsorption by the sending neuron11
6216410286Endorphin"Morphine within" - natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.12
6216410287PlasticityAbility of brain tissue to modify itself and take on new functions.13
6216410292Acetylcholine (ACh)Muscle contraction, Learning, Memory14
6216410293Norepinephrine (NE)Fight or Flight, Learning, Memory Retrieval15
6216410294DopaminePleasurable Sensations16
6216410295SerotoninMood and Emotional States17
6216410296EndorphinsPain reduction18
6216410297Central nervous system (CNS)A system that includes the brain and spinal cord, controlling voluntary and involuntary acts19
6216410298Peripheral Nervous Systemnerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord.20
6216410299Cerebral Cortexoutermost part of forebrain, responsible for analyzing sensory processing and higher brain functions21
6216410302Corpus CallosumA thick band of nerve fibers that connects large areas of the cerebral cortex on each side of the brain and supports communication of information across the hemispheres.22
6216410303Frontal LobeA region of the cerebral cortex that has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement23
6216410304Motor cortexAn area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements24
6216410306Broca's areaControls language expression - an area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.25
6216410307Parietal Lobeupper middle part of the cerebral cortex lying behind the frontal lobe that is specialized for touch and perception26
6216410308Temporal lobelower part of cerebral cortex that plays roles in hearing, understanding language, and memory27
6216410309Wernicke's Areapart of the temporal lobe involved in understanding speech28
6216410310Occipital Lobeback part of cerebral cortex specialized for vision29
6216410313Limbic Systememotional center of brain that also plays roles in smell, motivation, and memory30
6216410314ThalamusA structure that processes sensory information for all senses, except smell, and relays it to the cerebral cortex.31
6216410315HypothalamusStructure below the thalamus, responsible for maintaining homeostasis32
6216410316Amygladapart of limbic system that plays key roles in fear, excitement, and arousal33
6216410317Hippocampuspart of the brain that plays a role in memory34
6216410318CerebellumBalance and coordination35
6216410319Brain Stempart of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebral cortex that contains the reticular formation, pons, and medulla36
6216410321Reticular Formationbrain area that plays a key role in arousal37
6216410323Ponspart of the brain stem that connects the cortex with the cerebellum and is involved in dreaming38
6216410324Medullapart of brain stem involved in basic functions, such as heartbeat and breathing39
6216410325Spinal Cordthick bundle of nerves that conveys signals between the brain and the body40
6216410326InterneuronFacilitates communication between Afferent and Efferent Neurons41
6216410327Reflexan automatic motor response to a sensory stimulus42
6216410328Somatic nervous systempart of the nervous system that conveys information between the CNS and the body, controlling and coordinating voluntary movement43
6216410329Autonomic nervous systempart of the nervous system controlling the involuntary actions of our internal organs and glands, which (along with the limbic system) participates in emotion regulation44
6216410330Sympathetic Nervous Systemdivision of the autonomic nervous system engaged during a crisis or after actions requiring fight or flight45
6216410331Parasympathetic Nervous Systemdivision of autonomic nervous system that controls rest and digestion46
6216410332Endocrine Systemsystem of glands and hormones that controls secretion of blood-borne chemical messengers47
6216410333Hormonechemical released into the bloodstream that influences particular organs and glands48
6216410334Pituitary Glandmaster gland that, under the control of the hypothalamus, directs the other glands of the body49
6216410335Adrenal glandtissue located on top of the kidneys that releases adrenaline and cortisol during states of emotional arousal50
6216410345Afferent NeuronsSensory neurons that send signals to the brain51
6216410346Efferent NeuronsMotor neurons that send signals away from the brain52
6216410347All-or-Nothing PrincipleThe neuron fires or it doesn't53
6216410348Antagonistblocks the receptor site54
6216410349Agonistmimics a neurotransmitter55

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