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AP Psychology
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50
Psychology
Advanced
09/25/2017

Additional Psychology Flashcards

 


 

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Term
Neuron
Definition
A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses (a nerve cell)
Term
Dendrites
Definition
a short branched extension of a nerve cell, along which impulses received from other cells at synapses are transmitted to the cell body
Term
Cell body
Definition
the nucleus-containing central part of a neuron exclusive of its axons and dendrites that is the major structural element of the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord, the ganglia, and the retina
Term
Axon
Definition
the long threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells
Term
Myelin sheath
Definition
an electrical insulator that speeds nerve impulses to muscles and other effectors
Term
Terminal buttons
Definition
a neuron are the small knobs at the end of an axon that release chemicals called neurotransmitters
Term
Neurotransmitters
Definition
a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure
Term
Synapse
Definition
a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter
Term
Receptor sites
Definition
an organ or cell able to respond to light, heat, or other external stimulus and transmit a signal to a sensory nerve
Term
Action potential
Definition
the change in electrical potential associated with the passage of an impulse along the membrane of a muscle cell or nerve cell
Term
All or None potential
Definition
The fact that neurons fire down the complete length of the cell if a sufficient level of excitatory impulses are received
Term
Acetylcholine
Definition
Released by motor neurons controlling skeletal muscles,Contributes to the regulation of attention, arousal, and memory
Term
Dopamine
Definition
chemical that influences voluntary movement, learning, pleasure, memory
Term
Endorphin
Definition
chemical inhibiting the transmission of pain, often experienced during exercise
Term
Serotonin
Definition
"mood molecule"; chemical that affects regulation asleep, dreaming, mood, hunger, pain, and aggressive behavior; and attaches to many receptors
Term
Gaba
Definition
too much gaba causes seizures. like all neurotransmitters, helps to carry nerve signals across a synapse
Term
Glutamate
Definition
too much causes seizure. is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter
Term
Nor-epinephrine
Definition
is a chemical released from the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress.
Term
EEG
Definition
This allows us to detect the location and magnitude of brain activity involved in the various types of cognitive functions we study.view and record the changes in your brain activity during the time you are performing the task
Term
Cat Or Ct
Definition
a series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body
Term
PET SCAN
Definition
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
Term
F MRI
Definition
a technique for revealing blood flow and brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. f MRI scans show brain functions
Term
MRI scan
Definition
a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer generated images of soft tissues. MRI scans show brain anatomy
Term
Hind brain
Definition
portion of the brain that contains the pons, cerebellum and medulla, and is responsible for regulating basic human functions
Term
Medulla
Definition
the base of the brain stem, controls heartbeat and breathing
Term
Pons
Definition
contains centers for the control of vital processes, including respiration and cardiovascular functions
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
The "little brain" at the rear of the brain stem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance
Term
Mid-brain
Definition
a small central part of the brain stem, developing from the middle of the primitive or embryonic brain
Term
Reticular formation
Definition
A nerve network in the brain stem that plays an important role in controlling arousal
Term
Fore-brain
Definition
the anterior part of the brain, including the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus
Term
Thalamus
Definition
The brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the brain stem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
Term
Hypothalamus
Definition
A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities, helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward
Term
Amygdala
Definition
part of the limbic system; linked to emotion, especially fear and anger
Term
Hippocampus
Definition
part of the limbic system; involved in memory
Term
Limbic system
Definition
associated with emotions and drives
Term
Cerebral cortex
Definition
ultimate control & information processing center; it is what distinguishes us from animals
Term
Left hemisphere
Definition
is responsible for controlling the right side of the body
Term
Brain lateralization
Definition
refers to the fact that the two halves of the human brain are not exactly alike.
Term
Corpus callosum
Definition
The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them
Term
Frontal lobes
Definition
speaking, muscle movements, plans & judgements
Term
Broca’s area
Definition
in the frontal lobe, left hemisphere; directs muscle movements involved in speech
Term
Wernicke’s area
Definition
In the left temporal lobe; involved in language comprehension and expression
Term
Motor cortex
Definition
controls voluntary movements at the back of the frontal lobe
Term
Parietal lobe
Definition
includes sensory cortex
Term
Sensory cortex
Definition
registers and processes body sensation
Term
Occipital lobes
Definition
visual areas, receives visual information from the opposite fields
Term
Temporal lobes
Definition
auditory areas
Term
Adrenal gland
Definition
located one above each kidney; composed of two sections
Term
monozygotic twins
Definition
These are identical twins, occurs from the division of one fertilized egg into two embryos, and are genetically identical
Term
Heritability
Definition
the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes
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