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Psychlogy 100
Chapter 3
54
Psychology
Undergraduate 1
02/27/2011

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Term
Biopsych
Definition
The study of physical and chemical effects on mental and behavioral processes
Term
Nervous System
Definition
A combination of cells that receives information, integrates it with previous info to generate decisions, and to guide actions and output
Term
Neurons
Definition
Cells that make up nervous system. They communicate with each other sending signals
Term
Axons
Definition
Carry signals from the cell body out to the synapse. Neurons usually only have one axon.
Term
dendrites
Definition
dendrites branch of the neuron body and receive signals from axons
Term
Synapse
Definition
The gap between the axon and dendrite
Term
Action Potential
Definition
When a neuron depolarizes and sodium rushes into the cell, sodium gates open all along the axon. This is all or nothing. No half firing.
Term
Myelin
Definition
This surrounds the axons and helps speed the action potential
Term
Refractory Period
Definition
The time a neuron has to wait before firing again.
Term
Neurotransmitters
Definition
Chemicals that carry a signal across the synaptic gap
Term
Receptors
Definition
Located on the dendrite. Receives signals from presynaptic gap
Term
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential
Definition
Causes the posynaptic membrane to become depolarized thus increasing the likelihood of the neuron firing
Term
Inhibitory postsynaptic potential
Definition
Hyper polarizes the membrane decreasing the chance of the neuron firing.
Term
Neural Networks
Definition
organized interconnected neurons in the brain and spinal chord.
Term
Sensory System
Definition
Vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch
Term
Motor System
Definition
Influences muscles and other organs to respond in a certain way
Term
Peripheral Nervous System
Definition
The is the nervous system that is not encased in bone. it is made up of the somatic and autonomic system
Term
Central nervous System
Definition
The nervous system that is encased in bone. it includes the brain and spinal chord. Its main purpose is the process info given by sensory systems.
Term
Somatic nervous system
Definition
transmits sensory info to the CNS
Term
Autonomic Nervous System
Definition
Carries signals from CNS to organs. IE telling heart to beat or to breath more heavily.
Term
Nuclei
Definition
collection of cell bodies
Term
Fiber Tract
Definition
Collections of axons that travel together connecting nuclie
Term
Spinal Chord
Definition
Part of the CNS. Recieves messages from the somatic system
Term
Reflexes
Definition
quick involuntary responses to sensory information
Term
hindbrain
Definition
includes the medulla, reticular formation, and cerebellum. It is an extension of the spinal cord.
Term
Medulla
Definition
Located in the hindbrain. Regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing
Term
Reticular Formation
Definition
Controls arousal and attention
Term
Locus Coeruleus
Definition
Helps with vigilant attitude or attention
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
Controls fine motor skills
Term
Midbrain
Definition
contains the striatum and substantia nigra
Term
Substantia Nigra
Definition
Assists in smooth initiation of movement
Term
Striatum
Definition
Works with substantia nigra to help with smooth movement
Term
Forebrain
Definition
is the most developed part of the brain. controls most mental and behavioral processes
Term
Thalamus
Definition
Processes and relays information to other parts of the brain
Term
hypothalamus
Definition
it regulates hunger, thirst, and sex drive
Term
Suprachiasmatic Nucei
Definition
determines our biological rhythms acting like an internal alarm clock
Term
Amygdala
Definition
Part of the limbic system. Helps perceive sensory info. knowing that ice cream is sweet.
Term
hippocampus
Definition
involved in learning and creating memories
Term
Limbic System
Definition
Memory, emotion and thought processes. Linked to Alzheimer's
Term
Cerebral Cortex
Definition
The Cerebral cortex is divided into three areas, the sensory cortex, the motor cortex, and the association cortex.
Term
Sensory Cortex
Definition
This is located in the parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes. Receives info from senses
Term
Motor Cortex
Definition
This is located in the frontal lobe and controls voluntary movement.
Term
Association Cortex
Definition
This cortex allows us to complete complex cognition such as associating words with pictures and images.
Term
Corpus Callosum
Definition
Connects the two hemispheres. if we didn't have it the ;eft and right brain wouldn't be able to communicate.
Term
Lateralized task
Definition
A task the is more efficiently processed by one sized of the brain.
Term
Plasticity
Definition
The brains ability to establish new connections amongst neurons
Term
Neurotransmitter System
Definition
A set of neurotransmitters that control the same functions such as memory
Term
Acetylcholine
Definition
Used by neurons in peripheral and CNS. Helps with new memories and muscle contraction
Term
Norepinephrine
Definition
Involved with arousal, learning and mood
Term
Serotonin
Definition
regulates sleep and appetite and mood
Term
Norepinephrine
Definition
Involved with arousal, learning and mood
Term
Dopamine
Definition
Helps control body movement. Associated with parkinson's disease
Term
GABA
Definition
inhibitory transmitter that effects anxiety, huntington's, and epilepsy
Term
Glutamate
Definition
Excitatory transmitter that helps signals travel across the synaptic gap better
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