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Psych Chapter 2
Kagan and Segal's Psychology Chapter 2 (Brain Chapter)
56
Psychology
Undergraduate 1
11/29/2009

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Term
Neuron
Definition
the neural cell; the basic unit of the nervous system.
Term
Hormone
Definition
A biochemical that typically is released into the bloodstream to perform its function at locations distant from the brain, but can also affect the brain functioning itself.
Term
Glia
Definition
Cells that perform a wide array of functions such as regulating the biochemical environment of the brain, helping sustain neurons, modulating neural transmission, and aiding in the repair of neurons incase of injury. They are also important in early brain development and maturation.
Term
Dendrites
Definition
The primary "receiving" parts of a neuron.
Term
Cell Body
Definition
The part of a neuron that converts oxygen, sugars, and other nutrients into energy.
Term
Nucleus
Definition
The core of the cell body of a neuron or another cell, containing the genes.
Term
receptor sites
Definition
Spots on the cell body of a neuron that, like the dendrites, can be stimulated by other neurons.
Term
Axon
Definition
The fibrous body of a neuron that carries the neural impulse to the terminal branches
Term
Terminal Branches
Definition
The parts of a neuron that send messages to other neurons or to muscles or glands.
Term
Myelin Sheath
Definition
A whitish coating of fatty protective tissue that "insulates" the axons of neurons.
Term
Nodes
Definition
Constrictions of the myelin sheath of an axon that act as booster stations for neural impulses.
Term
All-or-none principle
Definition
The general rule that a neuron either fires or dosen't.
Term
Synapse
Definition
The conncecting point where a terminal branch of one neuron is only a microscopic distance from a dendrite or receptor site of another neuron.
Term
Neurotransmitters
Definition
Biochemicals released at neuron synapses that aid or inhibit neural transmissions.
Term
Spinal Cord
Definition
The thick cable of neurons that mostly connects PNS neurons to the brain.
Term
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Definition
The Brain and the Spinal Cord.
Term
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Definition
The network of neurons outside of the CNS.
Term
Interneuron
Definition
A CNS neuron that carries messages between neurons.
Term
Cerebral Cortex
Definition
Among its many other functions, the part of the brain responsible for thinking, remembering, and planning.
Term
Cerebrum
Definition
The large brain mass that is covered by the cerebral cortex.
Term
Plasticity
Definition
The power of the brain to reorganize and shift functions.
Term
Computerized tomography (CT)
Definition
A structural brain imaging method that uses x-rays to produce two-dimensional images.
Term
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Definition
A structural brain imaging method that uses the magnetic properties of brain tissue to produce two or three dimensional images.
Term
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Definition
A functional brain imaging method that uses the brain's metabolism of substances containing radioactive isotopes to produce ongoing brain images.
Term
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Definition
A functional brain imaging method that uses the brain's natural metabolism of oxygen to produce ongoing brain images.
Term
Electroencephalography
Definition
A method of measuring overall brain electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp.
Term
Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG)
Definition
A method of assessing brain activity that uses a large array of electrodes in a skull cap to measure and localize minute electrical reactions of areas of the brain.
Term
Somatosensory Cortex
Definition
The specialized area of the cerebral cortex responsible for analyzing and interpreting messages from the sense organs.
Term
Thalamus
Definition
The brain's relay station for messages to and from the body.
Term
Reticular activating system (RAS)
Definition
A network of neural cells in the brain stem that serves as a way station for messages from the sense organs.
Term
Motor cortex
Definition
The specialized strip on the cerebral cortex that controls body movements
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
A brain structure involved in controlling balance and movement.
Term
Pons
Definition
The brain structure connecting the two hemispheres of the cerebellum.
Term
Limbic system
Definition
The set of interconnected structures and pathways in the brain involved with emotion and memory.
Term
Amygdala
Definition
The part of the limbic system that plays a role in intense positive or negative emotions.
Term
Hypothalamus
Definition
The portion of the limbic system that serves as a mediator between the brain and the body and helps control metabolism, sleep, hunger, thirst, body temperature, sexual behavior, and emotions.
Term
Pituitary Gland
Definition
The master endocrine gland, which secretes hormones controlling growth and sexual development at puberty and regulating other endocrine glands.
Term
Homeostasis
Definition
A state of equilibrium, or balance, in the physiological systems within the human body.
Term
Medulla
Definition
The structure in the brain stem the helps regulate breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and digestion.
Term
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Definition
The neural network connecting the central nervous system with glands and smooth muscles, involved in maintaining homeostasis.
Term
Endocrine Glands
Definition
Glands that discharge hormones directly into the bloodstream, bringing about a variety of physiological and psychological changes.
Term
Parasympathetic division of the ANS
Definition
A part of the nervous system made up of scattered ganglia near the glands or the muscles of organs. It helps maintain functions such as heartbeat and digestion.
Term
Sympathetic Division of the ANS
Definition
Long chains of ganglia that extend down the sides of the spinal cord and activate glands and smooth muscles for "fight" or "flight".
Term
Association Cortex
Definition
Diverse areas of the cortex that contribute to self-awaremess and the ability to think about the past and imagine the future.
Term
Frontal lobes
Definition
The front portions of the brain that play a key role in problem solving and planning.
Term
Hippocampus
Definition
The part of the brain that transfers information from short-term memory to long-term memory.
Term
Corpus callosum
Definition
The structure of the brain that connects the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum and enables these hemispheres to interact.
Term
Acetylcholine
Definition
A neurotransmitter involved in motor activity and numerous CNS functions.
Term
Glutamate
Definition
An abundant neurotransmitter known to play a primary role in learning and memory.
Term
Norepinephrine
Definition
A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and depression.
Term
Dopamine
Definition
An abundant neurotransmitter involved in goal-related motor behaviors and various mental and behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia.
Term
Serotonin
Definition
A neurotransmitter involved in various mental and behavioral disorders, including depression.
Term
Peptides
Definition
Essential biochemicals that may function like neurotransmitters or hormones.
Term
Corticotrophin-release factor (CRF)
Definition
A neuropeptide secreted by the hypothalamus.
Term
Cortisol
Definition
The hormone secreted by the adrenal gland during emotional upset or in response to pain.
Term
Endorphins
Definition
Neuropeptides that serve as natural painkillers.
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