Psychology Ch 3 - Biopsychology
cerebellum
"little brain" -receives messages from mucles, tendons, joints, and structures in ear to control balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills -processes memories involved in learning and remembering how to perform tasks
pons
-"bridge" connects hindrain to the rest of the brain regulates brain activity during sleep
sensory neurons
-carry sensory info to the CNS -afferent fibers
spinal cord
-connects brain to body -relay station that routes messages to and from brain -own set of automatic process called reflexes (knee jerk reactions that have high sensory parameters sent to simple processing center in spinal cord which initiates a motor command) -top is a bundle of nerves that merges w/ brain stem -ends just below the ribs (not all the way down spine) -30 segments, each one connected to specific part of body thru peripheral nervous system -surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid
somatic nervous system
-conscious and voluntary activities -relays sensory and motor info to and from CNS -consists of motor and sensory neurons
autonomic nervous system
-controls internal glands and organs -nonvoluntary -two divisions: parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system
what happens to excess neurotransmitters?
-drift away -broken down into inactive fragments -reabsorbed in process of reuptake (neurotransmitter is pumped back into the neuron that released it, in order to clear the synapse)
thyroid gland
-endocrine gland that surrounds the trachea in the neck -releases hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and appetite
how resting potential works
-ions line up on either side of the cell membrane, ready to rush across membrane when neuron goes active and membrane opens gates -in resting state, (NA+) is at higher concentrations outside cell, so tends to move into cell -potassium (K+) concentrated inside cell so tends to move outside cell -inside of cell is negatively charged, which provides additional force on sodium to move inside -when neurotransmitter received, small pores open on neuronal membrane, and Na+ moves in, and the cell becomes more positive -if positive charge reaches certain level, neuron becomes active and action potential begins
how action potential works
-many additional pores allow more Na+ to come into cell, causing huge positive spike in membrane potential -a peak of action potential, sodium gates close and potassium gates open, and as they leave, the cell quickly begins repolarization (at first hyperpolarizing, becoming slightly more negative than resting potential, then it levels off returning to resting potential) -this occurs in waves down the axon until the action potential moves to the terminal buttons
pituitary gland
-master gland bc its messenger hormones control all the other glands in the endocrine system -also carries out instructions from hypothalamus -secretes growth hormone, endorphins for pain relief, and regulates fluid levels with many diff hormones
path of the neuron signal
-moves rapidly down axon -moves from axon to terminal buttons -in terminal buttons, synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters into the syntaptic cleft -travel across the synaptic cleft and bind w/ corresponding receptors on the dendrite of the adjacent neuron
MS
-multiple sclerosis -autoimmune disorder -large-scale loss of myelin sheath on axons, which prevents quick transmittal of info and can lead to dizziness, fatigue, loss of motor control, and sexual dysfunction
neuron structure
-outer surface: semipermeable membrane (small, nonpolar molecules can pass but not large, polar ones) -soma (cell body): nucelus -dendrites: receives signals -axon: sends signals -terminal buttons: attached to axons; contain synaptic vesicles that house neurotransmitters
PKU
-phenlyketonuria -genetic disorder -causes reduction of myelin, which causes severe cognitive deficits, exaggerated reflexes, and seizures
parkinson's disease
-progressive nervous system disorder, associated w/ low levels of dopamine -treatment: dopamine agonists, which mimic the effects of dopamine by binding to dopamine receptors
glial cells
-provide scaffolding on which nervous system is built -help neurons line up closely for communication -provide insulation to neurons -transport nutrients & waste products -mediate immune responses
pancreas
-regulates blood sugar levels -insulin (lowers levels) -glucagon (raises levels)
gonads
-secrete sexual hormones -mediate sexual motivation and behavior -female gonads: ovaries (secrete estrogen and progesterone) -male gonads: testis (secrete androgens, such as testosterone)
adrenal glands
-sit on top of kidneys -secrete hormones involved in stress response -epinephrine (adrenaline) -norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
two major subdivisions of peripheral nervous system
1. somatic 2. autonomic
the path of the action potential
1. the site where dendrites receive signals from other neurons is the synapses 2. this info is then processed in the cell body/soma 3. and if the signal is strong enough, the message is pushed thru and travels down the axon 4. to the terminal buttons, where another signal triggers neurotransmitters to be released 5. passing thru the synaptic cleft onto the dendrites of another neuron
Humans have ___ pairs of chromosomes
23 pairs (46 total)
diabetes
A condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin, the hormone required for the metabolism of sugar
A heritability coefficient is
A measure of the strength of the relationship between individual differences in a given trait and individual genetic differences
temporal lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex responsible for hearing and language.
frontal lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex that has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement
occipital lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex that processes visual information
parietal lobe
A region of the cerebral cortex whose functions include processing information about senses
hindbrain
An area of the brain that coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord -medulla, pons, cerebellum
substantia nigra
An area of the midbrain that is involved in motor control and contains a large concentration of dopamine-producing neurons
What is the scientific study of the interaction between hormones and behavior called?
Behavioral endocrinology
Psychological researchers study genetics in order to better understand the ____________ that contributes to certain behaviors.
Biology
broca's area
Controls language expression - an area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.
The branch like fibers extending in clusters from the neuron cell body are called ___________
Dendrites
a ________ uses magnetic fields to create pictures of a given tissue
MRI
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
MRI that shows the changes in brain activity over time
midbrain
Region between the hindbrain and the forebrain; it is important for hearing and sight.
The _________ nervous system is responsible for responses such as pupil dilation, increased heart rate, and increased respiration.
Sympathetic
forebrain
The largest and most complicated region of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebrum.
left hemisphere of brain
The left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for control of the right side of the body, and is the more academic and logical side of the brain. -forms associations in memory, selective attention, and positive emotions
Research shows that both hemispheres of the brain are involved in most tasks, but split brain studies demonstrate that
The right hemisphere is mostly nonverbal
right hemisphere of brain
The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for control of the left side of the body, and is the more artistic and creative side of the brain.
adoption study
a behavior genetic research method that involves comparison of adopted children to their adoptive and biological parents
twin studies
a behavior genetic research method that involves comparison of the similarity of identical (monozygotic; MZ) and fraternal (dizygotic; DZ) twins
epigenome
a dynamic layer of information associated with DNA that differs between individuals and can be altered thru various experiences and environments
schizophrenia
a group of severe disorders characterized by disorganized and delusional thinking, disturbed perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions -associated w/ overactive dopamine neurotransmission -treatment: antipsychotics that are antagonists for dopamine (bind to dopamine receptors without activating them, preventing dopamine released by neurons from activating them)
neurons
a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system -about 100 billion at birth
dominant allele
allele whose phenotype will be expressed in an individual that possesses that allele
recessive allele
allele whose phenotype will be expressed only if an individual is homozygous for that allele
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
allow the (little) amount of serotonin produced by someone with depression to linger in the synapse longer, increasing the change that the serotonin will bind to the receptor and subsequently elevate mood, blocks re uptake
involves the experience of emotion and emotional memores
amygdala
heritability coefficient
an easily misinterpreted statistical construct that purports to measure the role of genetics in the explanation of differences among individuals
fight or flight response
an emotional and physiological reaction to an emergency that increases readiness for action -allows body to access energy reserves & heightens sensory capacity
somatosensory cortex
area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes touch, temp, and pain sensations from across the body
motor cortex
area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements
range of reaction
asserts our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall
which of the following is true regarding lateralization? a. the right side of the brain has more control of the body than the left b. language ability has different roles in each hemisphere c. the left side of the brain controls the left side of the body d. people who are artistic or creative use more of their left brain
b. language ability has different roles in each hemisphere
____________ study how the interaction of genes and the environment cause individual differences in behavior
behavioral geneticists
the CNS is comprised of the ______________
brain and spinal cord
dendrite
branch-like extension of the soma that receives incoming signals from other neurons
which of the following is not a structure of the forebrain? a. hippocampus b. thalamus c. substantia nigra d. anygdala
c. substantia nigra (located in midbrain, plays substantial role in movement and reward)
motor neurons
carry instructions from CNS to muscles -efferent fibers
semipermeable membrane
cell membrane that allows smaller molecules or molecules without an electrical charge to pass through it, while stopping larger or highly charged molecules
neuron
cells in the nervous system that act as interconnected information processors, which are essential for all of the tasks of the nervous system
reticular formation
centered in midbrain, bu extends up into forebrain and down into hindbrain -regulates sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity
involves balance, coordination, and motor skills
cerebellum
ion channels
channel proteins that transport ions; can be opened if the correct neurontransmitter connects to the correct receptor
hormones
chemical messengers that bind to a receptor in order to send their signal -unlike neurotransmitters (which are released in close proximity to cells w/ their receptors), they are secreted into the bloodstream & travel throughout body, affecting any cells that have the correct receptors -neurotransmitters effects are localized and these effects are widespread -slower to take effect, tend to last longer
neurotransmitter
chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons
neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons
what are the implications of comprised immune function as a result of exposure to chronic stress?
chronic stress can lead to increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections, and potentially an increased risk of cancer -can lead to vicious cycle with stress leading to increased risk of disease, disease states leading to increased stress, and so on
brain
complex organ comprised of billions of interconnected neurons and glia -bilateral/two-sided with distinct lobes and associated functions
heterozygous
consisting of two different alleles
homozygous
consisting of two identical alleles
inside of the neuron cell
contains a few positive potassium ions (K+) and lots of negative protein ions
outside of neuron cell
contains many positive sodium ions (Na+) and some negative chlorine ions (Cl-); sodium chloride
wernicke's area
controls language reception - a brain area involved in language comprehension and expression; usually in the left temporal lobe -those w/ damage to this area can produce sensible language, but they are unable to understand it
connects the two hemispheres of the brain
corpus callosum
the hemisphere of the brain are connected by the ______________, which allows the two sides to communicate w each other
corpus collosum
which example supports the argument that genetics largely influence our behavior? a. children whose mothers read to them often are likely to have better reading scores in third grade b. children who are sung to are more likely to develop musical talent c. children with tall parents do not grow to their full height if they do not eat a healthy diet d. an adopted child's personality more closely resembles his biological parents than his adoptive parents
d.
Which of the following is the correct order of events describing the movement of an electrical charge through a neuron?
dendrite, cell body, axon
parts of the neuron
dendrites: branches on one end of neuron that receive signals from other neurons (chemicals called neurotransmitters) with receptors -soma: electrical changes caused by neurotransmitters are interpreted; contains nucleus (contains DNA of cell), puts interpretations in axon hillock -axon: signals received called "action potential", which travels down axon, which is covered in myelin (helps keep signal from degrading) axon terminals: aka synaptic buttons, when signal is received, it causes release of neurotransmitters, which interact w/ the receptors of the next neuron
antagonist
drug that blocks or impedes the normal activity of a given neurotransmitter
agonist
drug that mimics or strengthens the effects of a neurotransmitter
psychotropic medication
drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring neurotransmitter balance
action potential
electrical signal that moves down the neuron's axon -a brief increase in the permeability of the membrane to sodium, immediately followed by a brief increase in the permeability of the membrane to potassium, which progesses repeatedly all the way down the axons channels to the terminal buttons -once triggered, it continues all the way down the length of the axon (all or nothing, no stopping it, and it does not fade the whole way down) -once it reaches terminal buttons, calcium influxes into the cell and acts as a signal to release the neurotransmitter via exocytosis (which binds to the postsynaptic receptor)
a technique that records the electrical activity produced by the brain's neurons through the use of electrodes placed on the surface of the head is called_____________
electroencephalograph (EEG)
what clears the synapse?
enzymatic breakdown and reuptake
________ is the field of study that focuses on genes and their expression
epigenetics
hippocampus
essential structure for learning and memory -if damaged, ability to create new memories is lost (old memories are still stored, unaffected)
the ____________ is the largest part of the brain and consists of the _______________ and several subcortical regions, like the thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system
forebrain; cerebral cortex
dizygotic twins
fraternal twins; develop from two zygotes and share 50% of their DNA
involves planning, impulse control, and motor cortex
frontal lobe
the motor cortex sends messages to specific regions of the body to create movement; in which part of the cerebral cortex is it located?
frontal lobe
A noninvasive neuroimaging technique that produces very clear and detailed images of the structures and activities in the brain in response to magnetic fields is called _________________.
functional MRI (fMRI)
Stephen has a tumor in his brain & doctors want to assess what areas are impacted. They want a clear picture of the brain, but also want to see changes in the brain's blood flow. What imaging technique will they use?
functional MRI (fMRI)
Nodes of Ranvier
gaps in myelin sheath along the axon
genotype
genetic makeup of an individual
________ refers to a person's genetic makeup, while _________ refers to a person's physical characteristics
genotype; phenotype
two cell types that make up the nervous system
glia and neurons
_________, which play a supportive role in the nervous system, vastly outnumber _________________.
glial cells; neurons
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
helix-shaped molecule made of nucleotide base pairs
A measure of the strength of the relationship between individual differences in a given trait and individual genetic differences is called the
heritability coefficient
the _____________ is located at the back of the brain; this is where we find the ______________, pons, and medulla
hindbrain; cerebellum
processes memories and aids in learing
hippocampus
Elaina has been diagnosed with a small brain tumor. She first went to see her doctor after experiencing symptoms such as feeling very cold, almost fainting, a reduced appetite, and reduce sexual desire. Which of the following structures is her tumor most likely affecting?
hypothalamus
The _______ helps maintain the body's level of homeostasis and regulates things like temperature and appetite
hypothalamus
monozygotic twins
identical twins; result from a single zygote (fertilized egg) and have the same DNA
computerized tomography (CT) scan
imaging technique in which a computer coordinates and integrates multiple x-rays of a given area -usually used to find tumors or significant brain atrophy
mother rates who licked & groomed their pups during the first week of life showed what physical changes?
increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor in the hippcampus
phenotype
individual's inheritable physical characteristics
Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the case study of Phineas Gage's accident, which lead to brain injury?
injury to the brain causes changes in behavior, and specific brain areas are linked to particular behaviors.
an action potential involves sodium moving ___________ the cell and potassium moving _________ the cell.
inside; outside
soma
interprets the neuron signals, received by the dendrites
amygdala
involved in our experience of emotion and in tying emotional meaning to our memories -primarily responsible for regulating our perceptions of and reactions to aggression and fear
sympathetic nervous system
involved in stress-related activities and functions -prepares body to face threats/stress -increases heart rate and blood pressure, relaxes the bladder, releases glucose from liver, surges adrenaline in blood stream
positron emission tomography (PET)
involves injecting individuals with a mildly radioactive substance and monitoring changes in blood flow to different regions of the brain -nowadays is only used with CT to show imaging of neurotransmitter receptors and for schizophrenia research
neuronal membrane
keeps the extracellular and intracellular fluid separate -critical bc the electrical signal that passes thru a neuron depends on the two fluids being electrically different
myelin sheath
layer of fatty insulation created by glial cells that insulates the axon -increases speed of signal
People born with a high genetic risk for schizophrenia were ___________ likely to develop schizophrenia if they were raised in a healthy family environment than if they were raised in a disturbed family environment.
less
ppl bron with a high genetic risk for schizophrenia were _________ likely to develop schizophrenia if they were raised in a healthy family environment than if they were raised in a disturbed family environment
less (environment plays a role in the manifestation of schizophrenia)
threshold of excitation
level of charge in the membrane that causes the neurons to become active
chromosome
long strand of genetic information
peripheral nervous system
made up of thick bundles of axons (nerves) that carry messages back and forth between the CNS and the muscles, organs, and senses in the periphery of the body
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
magnetic fields used to produce a picture of the tissue being imaged -magnetic field causes hydrogen atoms to move and when turned off they emit electromagnetic signals
axon
major extension of the soma
_________ can be used to stimulate the effects of nurturing maternal care during early life and cause lower hormonal responses to stress
medication
involves breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate
medulla
ventral tegmental area (VTA)
midbrain structure where dopamine is produced: associated with mood, reward, and addiction
the ________________ is deep within the brain; it contains the ____________, substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental area
midbrain; reticular formation
which types of twins have the same DNA, and are valuable in studying the influence of environmental factors on genetics?
monozygotic
ion pumps
move sodium back out of membrane and move potassium back in, restoring potential energy
efferent
moving away from a center; for example, conducting nerve impulses away from the brain or spinal cord
afferent
moving toward a center; for example, nerve fibers conducting impulses to the spinal cord and brain
polygenic
multiple genes affecting a given trait
when resting, the inside of the cell has a ________ charge. during action potential, the cell briefly has a ____________ charge.
negative; postive
glial cell
nervous system cell that provides physical and metabolic support to neurons, including neuronal insulation & communication, and nutrient & waste transport
limbic system
neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres -involved in processing emotion and memory -sense of smell projects directly to this, so smell can evoke emotional responses in ways other senses cannot -three structures: hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus
Psycho tropic medications are drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring ____________ balance.
neurotransmitter
acetylcholine
neurotransmitter involved in muscle action & memory potential effect on behavior: increased arousal, enhanced cognition
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
neurotransmitter involved in: brain function, sleep potential effect on behavior: decreased anxiety, decreased tension
norepinephrine
neurotransmitter involved in: heart, intestines, alertness potential effect on behavior: increased arousal, suppressed appetite
glutamate
neurotransmitter involved in: memory, learning potential effect on behavior: increased learning, enhanced memory
serotonin
neurotransmitter involved in: mood, sleep potential effect on behavior: modulated mood, suppressed appetite
dopamine
neurotransmitter involved in: mood, sleep, learning potential effect on behavior: increased pleasure, suppressed appetite
beta-endorphin
neurotransmitter involved in: pain, pleasure potential effect on behavior: decreased anxiety, decreased tension
reuptake
neurotransmitter is pumped back into the neuron that released it
involves visual information
occipital lobe
each hemisphere of the brain controls the ___________ side of the body. this is referred to as ________________
opposite; lateralization
hyperthyroidism
overactivity of the thyroid gland -too much thyroxine -agitation, bulging eyes, and weight loss
If your ________ is activated, you will feel relatively at ease.
parasympathetic nervous system
involves sensations from the body
parietal lobe
prefrontal cortex
part of frontal lobe responsible for higher level cognitive function
The terms autonomic and somatic refer to the two main subdivisions of the
peripheral nervous system
all-or-none
phenomenon that incoming signal from another neuron is either sufficient or insufficient to reach the threshold of excitation
Epigenetics examines gene expression and how those with identical genes may have different
phenotypes
most traits are controlled by more than just one gene, meaning that they are
polygenic
the ____________ is involved in regulating brain activity during sleep
pons
if the threshold of excitation is reached, action potential begins, which causes the inside of the cell to have a ________ charge.
positive
Jack is injected with a small amount of radioactive glucose and then lies in a scanner. He is told to think about his favorite song as the scanner records the movement and location of the glucose in his brain. A computer analyzes the data and produces a color-coded image of his brain activity. Jack is receiving the imaging technique called ________[
positron emission tomography
an invasive imaging technique that provides color-coded images of the brain activity by tracking the brain's use of a radioactively tagged compound, such as glucose, oxygen, or a drug, is called_______-
positron emission tomography (PET)
doctors want to take a closer look at a schizophrenic pt's brian to monitor the activity of neurotransmitters while she experiences hallucinations; first, they will give her an injection of a radioactive substance; which technique will they use?
positron emission tomography (PET)
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are drugs that
prevent unused neurotransmitters from being transported back to the neuron
reuptake inhibitors
prevent unused neurotransmitters from being transported back to the neuron; allows neurotransmitters to remain active in the synaptic cleft for longer durations, increasing their effectivenessago
receptors
proteins on the neuron cell surface where neurotransmitters attach, vary in shape, w/ different shapes "matching" different neurotransmitters
the scientific discipline in which similarities among individuals are analyzed based on how biologically related they are is called...
quantitative genetics
agonists and antagonists mimic or impede neurotransmitters by binding to ___________
receptors (either increasing or decreasing the effects of neurotransmitters)
electroencephalography (EEG)
recording the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes on the scalp
hypothalamus
regulates a number of homeostatic processes and basic drives (regulates appetite, body temp, and blood pressure) -interface between nervous system and endocrine system in regulation of sexual motivation/behavior
the ________ is involved in regulating the sleep/wake cycle and plays an important role in arousal and alertness
reticular formation
parasympathetic nervous system
returns the body to normal after a response to stress -resting state -heart rate & blood pressure returns to normal, pupils constrict, regains control of bladder, liver begins to store glucose in the form of glycogen for future use
gyri
ridges of the brain
quantitative genetics
scientific and mathematical methods for inferring genetic and environmental processes base don the degree of genetic and environmental similarity among organisms
longitudinal fissure
separates brain into two cerebral hemispheres; left and right
central sulcus
separates frontal and parietal lobes
The longitudinal fissure
separates the brain into two halves
gene
sequence of DNA that controls or partially controls physical characteristics
endocrine system
series of glands that produce chemical substances known as hormones
sulci
shallow grooves that separate gyri
axon hilock
site of connection between the cell body and the axon
synapse
small gap between two neurons where communication occurs
Our ability to make our legs move as we walk across the room is controlled by the ________ nervous system.
somatic
The _________ nervous system is involved in the relay of sensory & motor information to the CNS.
somatic
conscious and voluntary movements are associated w/ the ______________ nervous system
somatic
lock-and-key relationship
specific neurotransmitters fit specific receptors
allele
specific version of a gene
homeostasis
state of equilibrium/balance -when biological conditions (like body temp) are maintained at optimal levels -what the parasympathetic and sympathetic work together to control
resting potential
state of readiness of a neuron membrane's potential between signals
theory of evolution by natural selection
states that organisms that are better suited for their environments will survive and reproduce compared to those that are poorly suited for their environments
synaptic vesicle
storage site for neurotransmitters
mutation
sudden, permanent change in a gene
cerebral cortex
surface of the brain that is associated with our highest mental capabilities -characterized by gyri and sulci -comprised of folded gray matter and plays a role in consciousness
if julian is startled by a rat in his kitchen, his __________ nervous system kicks into action
sympathetic
involves hearing, language, memory, and emotion
temporal lobe
receives and relays sensory information
thalamus
neuroplasticity
the ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma -creation of new synapses, pruning of synapses no longer used, changes in glial cells, birth of new neurons -most plastic when young
auditory cortex
the area of the temporal lobe responsible for processing sound information
nature-nurture debate
the arguments concerning whether psychological characteristics are biologically innate or acquired through education, experience, and culture
medulla
the base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing
genes
the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein
thalamus
the brain's sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem; all senses, except smell, are routed thru this before being directed to other areas of the brain for processing
terminal button
the bud at the end of a branch of an axon; forms synapses with another neuron; sends information to that neuron
what is the electrical charge of the fluids inside and outside the neuron caused by?
the charged molecules (ions) dissolved in the fluid ***semipermeable nature of neuronal membrane restricts movement of ions and some stay more concentrated either inside or outside of the cell
membrane potential
the difference in charge across the membrane, which provides energy for the signal
behavioral genetics
the empirical science of how genes and environments combine to generate behavior
Physiological changes such as those activated when Sarah hears spooky sounds while she's out for a run (her pupils dilate, her heart rate and blood pressure increase, etc.) are known as
the fight-or-flight response
the significance of the lesion study of Phineas Gage's damaged brain is that is provided evidence that _______________
the frontal lobe is involved in controlling personality traits, emotion, inhibitory control, and goal-setting abilities
genetic variation
the genetic difference between individuals; contributes to species' adaptation to its environment
hormone secretion is often regulated thru a negative feedback mechanism (one a hormone is secreted it causes the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to shut down production of signals necessary to secrete hormones) -most oral contraceptives are made of small doses of estrogen and/or progesterone, why is this effective?
the introduction of relatively low, yet constant, levels of gonadal hormones places the hypothalamus and pituitary under inhibition via negative feedback mechanisms; this prevents alterations in both estrogen & progesterone concentrations that are necessary for successful ovulation & implantation
corpus callosum
the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them -severed to control seizures of some epileptics
which of the techniques of brain imaging would be viable options for you to determine how activity in the reticular formation is related to sleep and wakefulness? why?
the most viable techniques are fMRI and PET bc of their ability to provide info about brain activity & structure simultaneously
primary motor cortex
the region of the posterior frontal lobe that contains neurons that control movements of skeletal muscles
primary visual cortex
the region of the posterior occipital lobe whose primary input is from the visual system
epigenetics
the science of how environment influences genetic expression -what genes do matters more than what genes you have -gene actions are affected by environment (stress, nutirition, and exposure to toxins all play roles in how genes are expressed/what genes turn on & off)
eugnenics
the shaping of human characteristics thru intentional breeding
behavioral endocrinology
the study of the interaction between hormones and behavior (hormones can influence behavior and behavior can influence hormone concentrations)
Phineas Gage's accident revealed that
there is a relationship between the frontal lobes, limbic system, and impulse control
phineas gage's accident revealed that....
there is a relationship between the frontal lobes, limbic system, and impulse control
what happens to testosterone levels of those who lose chess tournaments?
they fall
synapses
tiny gaps between dentrites and axons of different neurons -site where dendrites receive signals from other neurons
t or f: neuronal communication is an electrical chemical event
true -movement of action potential down length of axon = electrical event -movement of neurotransmitter across synaptic space represents chemical portion of process
t or f: neurons are specialized
true, they respond to only one kind of stimulus each and only in one direction -thermal receptors, movement receptors, etc
identical twins
twins that develop from the same sperm and egg
fraternal twins
twins who develop from two different eggs fertilized by different sperm, so their genetic material varies the same as in non-twin siblings
hypothyroidism
underactivity of the thyroid gland -tiredness and feeling cold
the theory of evolution by natural selection requires variability of a given trait, why is variability necessary and where does it come from?
variability is essential for natural selection to work; if all individuals are the same on a given trait, there will be no relative difference in their reproductive success bc everyone will be equally adapted to their environments on that trait; mutations are one source of variability, but sexual reproduction is another important source of varatiion given that individuals inherit half of their genetic makeup from each of their parents
synaptic cleft
very small space between two neurons -site where communication between neurons occurs
genetic environmental correlation
view of gene-environment interaction that asserts our genes affect our environment, and our environment influences the expression of our genes
biological perpective
view that the psychological disorders like depression and schizophrenia are associate w/ imbalances in one or more neurotransmitters systems
hyperpolarization
when a cell's charge becomes more negative than its resting potential
depolarization
when a cell's charge becomes positive, or less negative
inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)
when an influx of negatively charged ions creates a negative area around the membrane of a neuron (opposite of EPSP)
excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)
when an ion channel is opened an an influx of positive sodium ions make it so the area around the membrane is more positive -if the influx of positive ions is enough, this will trigger an action potential