Psychology Ch. 2

Front 1

Define Biological Psychology.

Back 1

branch of psychology that studies the relationship between behavior and body systems and processes.

Front 2

Define Neuroscience.

Back 2

The study of the nervous system, especially the brain.

Front 3

Define Neuron.

Back 3

Specialized cell that communicates information in electrical and chemical form; a nerve cell.

Front 4

Define Glial Cells.

Back 4

Support cells that assist neurons by providing structural support, nutriton, and removal of cell wastes; manufacture myelin.

Front 5

Define Sensory Neuron.

Back 5

Convey information to the brain from sense organs and internal organs.

Front 6

Define Motor Neuron.

Back 6

Type of neuron that signals muscles to relax or contract.

Front 7

Define Interneuron.

Back 7

Type of neuron that communicates information from one neuron to the next.

Front 8

Define Cell Body.

Back 8

Processes nutrients and provides energy for the neuron to function; contains the cell's nucleus.

Front 9

Define Dendrites.

Back 9

fibers that extend from the neuron's cell body and receieve information from other neurons and sensory receptor cells.

Front 10

Define Axon.

Back 10

carries a neuron's messages to other body areas.

Front 11

Define Myelin Sheath.

Back 11

covering wrapped around the axons of some neurons that increases their communication speed.

Front 12

Define Action Potential.

Back 12

an electrical impulse where information is transmitted along the axon of a neuron.

Front 13

Define Stimulus Threshold.

Back 13

The minimum level of stimulation required to activate a certain neuron.

Front 14

Define Resting Potential.

Back 14

where a neuron is prepared to activate and communicate its message if it receives stimulation.

Front 15

Define the All-or-None law.

Back 15

either a neuron is stimulated enough and an action potential occurs or a neuron is not stimulated enough and an action potential does not occur.

Front 16

Define synapse.

Back 16

The point of communication between two neurons.

Front 17

Define Synaptic Gap.

Back 17

The tiny space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of an adjoining neuron.

Front 18

Define Axon Terminals.

Back 18

Branches at the end of the axon that contain tiny pouches, or sacs, called synaptic vesicles.

Front 19

Define Synaptic Vesicles.

Back 19

tiny sacs in the axon terminals that contain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Front 20

Define Neurotransmitters.

Back 20

Chemical messanges made by a neuron.

Front 21

Define Synaptic Transmission.

Back 21

The process when neurotransmitters are released by a neuron, cross the synaptic gap, and affect another neuron.

Front 22

Define Reputake.

Back 22

The process by which neurotransmitter molecules detach from a neuron and are reabsorbed by a presynaptic neuron so they can be recycled and used again.

Front 23

Define Acetylcholine.

Back 23

Neurotransmitter that causes muscle contraction and is involved in memory function and learning.

Front 24

Define Dopamine.

Back 24

Neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of bodily movement, and pleasurable sensations.

Front 25

Define Serotonin.

Back 25

Neurotrasmitter involved with mood, emotional states, and sleep. Lack can cause depression.

Front 26

Define Norepinephrine.

Back 26

Neurotrasmitter involved in learning and memory. Activates neurons in brain. Flight or Fright situations.

Front 27

Define GABA.

Back 27

Neurotrasmitter that usually communicates an inhibitory message to other neurons to prevent anixiety.

Front 28

Define Endorphins.

Back 28

Neurotrasmitters that kill pain. Body's natural pain killer.

Front 29

Define the Nervous System.

Back 29

The primary internal communication network of the body; divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Front 30

Define Nerves.

Back 30

Bundles of neuron axons that carry information in the peripheral nervous system.

Front 31

Define the Central Nervous System.

Back 31

Divison of the nervous system that consists of the brain adn spinal cord.

Front 32

Define Spinal Reflexes.

Back 32

Simple, automatic behaviors that are processed in the spinal cord.

Front 33

Define the Periphreal Nervous System.

Back 33

Division of the nervous system that includes all the nerves lying outside the central nervous system.

Front 34

Define the Somatic Nervous System.

Back 34

Subdivison od the peripheral nervous system that communicates sensory information to the central nervous system and carries motor messages from the central nervous system to the muscles.

Front 35

Define the Autonomic Nervous System.

Back 35

Subdivison of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary functions.

Front 36

Define Sympathetic Nervous System.

Back 36

Branch of the autonomic nervous system that produces rapid physical arousal in response to preceived emergencies or threats.

Front 37

Define Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.

Back 37

Branch of the autonomic nervous system that maintains normal bodily functions and conserves the body's physical resources.

Front 38

Define Endocrine System.

Back 38

System of glands located throughout the body that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Front 39

Define Hormones.

Back 39

Chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream primarily by endocrine glands.

Front 40

Explain the Hindbrain.

Back 40

Region at the base of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord. Contains several structures that regulate basic life functions. Contains the pons, cerebellum, reticular formation, medulla, and substantia nigra.

Front 41

Explain the Midbrain.

Back 41

Middle region of the brain; involved in processing visual and auditory information.

Front 42

Explain the Forebrain.

Back 42

Uppermost and largest brain region composed of several structures, the most prominent being the cerebral cortex. Contains the cerebral cortex, and the corpus callosum.

Front 43

Define Pons.

Back 43

Helps coordinate movements on left and right sides of body.

Front 44

Define Cerebellum.

Back 44

Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.

Front 45

Define Reticular Formation.

Back 45

Helps regulate attention and alertness.

Front 46

Define Medulla.

Back 46

Controls breathing, heartbeat, and other vital functions.

Front 47

Define Substantia Nigra.

Back 47

Motor skills.

Front 48

Define Cerebral Cortex.

Back 48

Divided into 2 hemispheres and responsible for sophisticated mental functions.

Front 49

Define Corpus Callosum.

Back 49

Thick band of axons connecting the 2 hemispheres of the cerebral cortex.

Front 50

Define the Temporal Lobe.

Back 50

Near temples that is the primary recieving area for auditory information.

Front 51

Define the Occipital Lobe.

Back 51

Primary recieving area for visual information.

Front 52

Define the Parietal Lobe.

Back 52

Processes somatic sensations.

Front 53

Define the Frontal Lobe.

Back 53

Largest lobe processes voluntary muscles movements and is involved in muscle movements and thinking, planning, and emotional control.