Psychology Chapter 2 Test Questions – Flashcards with Answers
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neuron
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an individual nerve cell
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dendrites
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neuron fibers that receive incoming messages
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soma
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the main body of a neuron or other cell
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axon
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fiber that carries information away from the cell body of a neuron
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axon terminals
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bulb-shaped structures at the ends of axons that form synapses with the dendrites and somas of other neurons
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action potential
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the nerve impulse
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neural network
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interlinked collections of neurons that process information in the brain
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neuroplasticity
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the capacity of the brain to change in response to experience
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central nervous system
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CNS- the brain and spinal cord
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peripheral nervous system
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PNS- all parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord
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autonomic nervous system
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ANS- the system of nerves carrying information to and from the internal organs and glands
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self-directed neuroplasticity
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every time you learn something, you are reshaping your living brain.
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spinal cord
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connects the brain to other parts of the body
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spinal nerves
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major nerves that carry sensory and motor messages in and out of the spinal cord
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cranial nerves
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major nerves that leave the brain WITHOUT passing through the spinal cord
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sensory neuron
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a neuron that carries information from the senses toward the CNS
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electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB)
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direct electrical stimulation and activation of brain tissue
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localization of function
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the research strategy of linking specific structures in the brain with specific psychological or behavioral functions
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electrode
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any device (such as a wire, needle, or metal plate) used to electrically stimulate or destroy nerve tissue or to record its activity
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neurological soft signs
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subtle behavioral signs of brain dysfunction, including clumsiness, an awkward gait, poor hand-eye coordination, and other perceptual and motor problems
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functional MRI
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MRI technique that records brain activity
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cerebral cortex
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the outer layer of the brain
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cerebral hemispheres
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the cortex is composed of two sides, or cerebral hemispheres, connected by a thick band of axon fibers called the corpus callous. damage to one hemisphere may cause spatial neglect
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primary motor area
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primary motor cortex- a brain area associated with control of movement
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association areas of the cerebral cortex
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all areas of the cerebral cortex that are not primarily sensory or motor in function
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aphasia
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a speech disturbance resulting from brain damage
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frontal lobes
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areas of the cortex associated with movement, the sense of self, and higher mental functions
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mirror neuron
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a neuron that becomes active when a motor action is carried out and when another organism is observed carrying out the same action
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prefrontal cortex
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the very front of the frontal lobes; involved in sense of self, reasoning, and planning
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primary somatic sensory cortex
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a receiving area for body sensations
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receptive aphasia
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if Wernicke's area is damaged, it serves as a language site, it will result in receptive (or fluent) aphasia. although the person can hear speech, they have difficulty understanding the meaning of words.
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facial agnosia
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an inability to perceive familiar faces
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reticular activation system (RAS)
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a part of the reticular formation that activates the cerebral cortex
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reticular formation
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RF- a network within the medulla and brainstem; associated with attention, alertness, and some reflexes
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hypothalamus
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a small area of the brain that regulates emotional behaviors and motives
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amygdala
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a part of the limbic system associated with fear responses
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hippocampus
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a part of the limbic system associated with storing memories.
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limbic system
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a system in the forebrain that is closely linked with emotional response
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brainstem
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the lowest portions of the brain, including the cerebellum, medulla, pons, and reticular formation
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thalamus
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relay station to cortex for sensory information
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pituitary gland
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the "master gland" of the endocrine system. a brain structure that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex. hormones influence other endocrine glands. regulates growth and lactation; regulates activity of other glands
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melatonin
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hormone released by the pineal gland in response to daily cycles of light and dark
