Dr. Fraser Ch. 3 Psych Terms 3/3

Front 1

Acetylcholine

Back 1

a neurotrnasmitter used by neurons in the peripheral and central nervous system in the control of functions ranging from mucle contraction and heart rate to digestion and memory. Alzheimer's disease is assosciated with the neurons that use acetylcholine.

Front 2

Autoimmune Disorders

Back 2

Physical problems caused when cells of the body's immune system attack normal body cells as if they were foreign invaders.

Front 3

Corpus Callosum

Back 3

A massive bundle of fibers that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres and allows them to communicate with each other. Severing the corpus callosum causes difficulty in performing tasks that require both hemispheres, such as recognizing and naming objects.

Front 4

Dopamine

Back 4

A neurotransmitter used in parts of th brain-such as the substantia nigra and the striatum- the regulate movement. Dopamine is also involved in the experience of pleasure. Malfunctioning dopamine systems are related to the appearance of movement disorderes such as Parkinson's disease, as well as to schizophrenia.

Front 5

Endocrine System

Back 5

Cells that form organs called glands and communicate with one another by secreting chemicals called hormones.

Front 6

Endorphin

Back 6

One of a class of neurotransmitters that can bind to the same receptors that opiates, such as morphine and heroin, bind to and that produces the same biological effects of pain relief, euphoria, and in high doses, sleep.

Front 7

Fight-or-Flight Syndrome

Back 7

The physical reactions initiated by the sympathetic nervous system that prepare the body to fight or run from a threatening situation. These reactions include increased heart rate and blood pressure, rapid or irregular breathing, dilated pupils, perspiration, dry mouth, increased blood sugar, decrased gastrointestinal motility, and other changes.

Front 8

GABA

Back 8

A neurotransmitter that inhibits the firing of neurons. Disruptions of the GABA systems are related to the appearance of anxiety, epilepsy and Huntington's disease, a disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements and loss of cognitive ability.

Front 9

Glands

Back 9

Organs that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Front 10

Glutamate

Back 10

A neurotransmitter that helps strengthen the synaptic connection between neurons, thereby facilitating learning and memory.

Front 11

Hormones

Back 11

Chemicals that are secreted by a gland into the bloostream, which carries them through the body, enabling the gland to simulate remote cells with which it has no direct conncetion.

Front 12

Immune System

Back 12

The body's first line of defense against invding substances and microorganisms. The immune system includes T-cells, which attack virally infected cells; B-cells, which form antibodies against foreign substances; and natural killer cells, which kill invaders like tumor cells and virally infected cells.

Front 13

Lateralized

Back 13

Referring to the tendency for one cerebral hemisphere to excel at a particula function or skill compared to the other hemisphere.

Front 14

Negative Feedback System

Back 14

An arrangement in which the output of a system is monitored, such that output above a certain level will terminate further output until activity returns to an acceptable level.

Front 15

Neurotransmitter System

Back 15

A group of neurons that communicates by using the same neurotransmitter, such as acetylcholine or dopamine.

Front 16

Norepinephrine

Back 16

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal, as well as learning ad mood regulation.

Front 17

Synaptic Plasticity

Back 17

The ability to create synapses and change the strength of synapses.

Front 18

Seratonin

Back 18

A neurotransmitter used by cells in those parts of the brain involved in sleep, mood, and eating.