Master this deck with 194 terms through effective study methods.
No description available
the process by which such forces as competition, disease, and climate tend to eliminate individuals who are less well adapted to a particular environment and favor the survival and reproduction of better adapted individuals, thereby changing the nature of the population over successive generations.
The father.
The primitive decision making area of the brain. It also helps integrate autonomic activity into appropriate responses to internal and external stimuli. Additionally, it is involved in appetite, thirst, sleep, and sexuality.
The most basic survival functions including fighting, flighting, feeding, and freaking
Releases hormones such as melatonin (sleep regulation), ghrelin (starts hunger regulation) to name a few.
body's immune system
Located in the neck, the thyroid is responsible for tissue growth/development.
Part of the endocrine system responsible for regulating the electrical charge in your blood with the right amount of calcium.
The fear switch. Part of the endocrine system and primal brain responsible for basic emotions, fear, and defense.
Part of the endocrine system which produces hormones that affect metabolism, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure, and many other essential functions.
Produced by the pineal gland --located near the hypothalamus-- melatonin is responsible for regulating one’s sleep/wake cycle. When present in the endocrine system, a subject gets tired and prepares to rest.
Located at the top part of the endocrine system, it produces and releases several hormones that help carry out important bodily functions, including: Growth. Metabolism (how your body transforms and manages the energy from the food you eat).
Known as the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin helps us relate and confide in other people when it is at higher levels. Oxytocin is also vital in assisting in the reproductive process.
a special kind of hormone that helps the body manage stressful or painful situations. After a subject experiences a certain level of stress or pain --as in the case of exercising-- endorphins are released to help a subject feel better.
Responsible for sperm cell production in biological males. In both biological males and females it is also responsible for muscle mass and is linked to aggressive behaviors.
a hormone responsible for stimulating hunger.
Dendrites are the part of the neurons which receive chemical signals from other neurons called neurotransmitters.
The long tract along which the action potential is transported away from the soma (cell body) to the axon terminals.
a fatty white substance that insulates the axon --much like rubber tubing does on a copper wire-- and protects the axon from damage.
At this part of the neuron, the action potential (the complete electrical signal which passes down the axon) is broken up at the axon terminal whereby key electrical impulses are used to trigger the release of various chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.
The fluidic gap between neurons by which neurotransmitters are transported from one neuron to another.
a complete electrical signal which will be carried down the axon to the terminals and synapse.
The process by which a neurotransmitter returns to the neuron that sent it, thus eliminating it from circulation in the nervous system.
The gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of others. It is the part of the synapse that sends the neurotransmitter.
Neurons die off because they no longer receive electrochemical messages from other neurons. This lack of signaling occurs because of the presence of amyloid plaques which build up between neurons which block transmission.
A disorder where the immune system attacks the white matter (protective layers) of the cells resulting in misfirings.
the critical level to which a membrane potential must be depolarized to initiate an action potential.
a period of inactivity after a neuron or muscle cell has undergone excitation.
the electric potential across the plasma membrane of a neuron when it is in the nonexcited, or resting, state.
located in brain & spinal cord function: Critical thinking, processing, decision making.
located anywhere that is not brain or spinal cord. eyes, ears, skin, mouth, feet function: Brings in information from the outside world to the brain and carries out commands from the brain.
Location: Any location of the vital organs such as heart, lungs, stomach, eyes, intestines. Function: Carries out vital functions necessary for life including breathing, eating, vision, hearing, etc.
Location: Located in the muscles area. Function: Responsible for voluntary actions such as running, moving, etc.
Location: The autonomic nervous system, it’s connected to all the vital organs. Function: Responds to threats and alarms. Triggers fight or flight.
Location: The autonomic nervous system, it’s connected to all the vital organs. Function:Calms the body down after fight or flight.
a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions, such as the heart rate, its force of contraction, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.
German botanist known as the father of genetics. Helped discover the concept of phenotypes and genotypes.
Noted developmental psychologist who was the key expert witness for Brown v. Board of Education. His famous “Doll Study” successfully overthrew segregation.
Noted psychologist responsible for creating the Biopsychosocial model: a description of human behavior indicating that three factors influence human behavior: biological factors (chemicals, hormones, shape of body organs), psychological factors (thought patterns), and social factors (outside influencing factors).
one of the two types of nucleic acid found in living organisms; it is the principal carrier of genetic information in chromosomes and, to a much lesser extent, in mitochondria. Certain segments of the DNA molecules constitute the organism’s genes.
the branch of biology that is concerned with the mechanisms and phenomena of heredity and the laws that determine inherited traits.
The physical characteristics of an organism such as hair color, muscular definition, eye color, blood type, etc.
The genetic coding for physical characteristics. This coding is important in determining if the phenotype and whether it is passed onto offspring. Depending on the genotype coding, a person may or may not have a trait and their offspring will experience the opposite phenotype.
an organism which has two of the same kind of allele for a trait --either two recessive or two dominant.
An organism which has one of each kind of allele for a trait --one recessive and one dominant.
It is a genetic disorder because it is coded in chromosome 11.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic condition that causes elevated levels of a substance called phenylalanine to build up in your body. If this condition isn't treated, buildup of phenylalanine in your body causes symptoms including challenges with cognitive development (intellectual disability).
Too much sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause nerve damage and elevates risks for heart attack or stroke --due to too much electricity.
Too little sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and being prone to infection --due to not receiving enough electricity to keep vital systems working.
The main structure of the cell including the dendrite, soma, axon, and axon terminal.
The shield of the neuron that protects it from damage.
a neural pathway that conducts impulses from a sense organ (such as the eyes, ears, skin) toward the brain or spinal cord.
a neural pathway that carries impulses away from a particular region of the central nervous system toward a muscle (motor/efferent neurons).
any of the 12 pairs of nerves that arise directly from the brain and are distributed mainly to structures in the head and neck.
Special kinds of sensory neurons responsible for registering sound.
sensory neurons responsible for registering taste.
Sensory neurons responsible for registering temperature.
Sensory neurons responsible for registering pain
Sensory neurons responsible for registering light and converting it into images.
These neurons stimulate small groups of muscle fibers. These clusters of small motor units are responsible for staying contracted for a long amount of time without fatiguing. This is important because many slow motor units are responsible for keeping you upright. If they fatigued quickly, you would collapse.
These neurons stimulate larger muscle groups, which apply large amounts of force but fatigue very quickly. Whenever you work out at the gym, these neurons are responsible for firing the large muscular groups responsible for running or lifting weights (pectorals, latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps, etc.)
These neurons are bigger than small motor units but not as big as fast fatiguing motor units. Their functions fall in between fast fatiguing and small motor units. For example, when you are running or working out at the gym, these types of motor units are responsible for you completing the exercise right before you feel your muscles giving out.
Kinds of neurons which fire when someone sees something they have experienced before resulting in a similar physical reaction (i.e. feeling pain when someone gets hurt).
Kinds of mirror neurons which fire when seeing a similar reaction to something they’ve experienced such as second hand embarrassment or feeling similar emotional cues to the person they’re talking to.
A chemical messenger which encourages electrical activity in the human brain/body.
A chemical messenger which discourages electrical activity in the human brain/body.
heart!
muscles!
Muscular movement, learning and memory.
excitatory neurotransmitter.
Emotional intensity and energy.
Insomnia Paranoia Manic behavior
Depression Fatigue
inhibitory
Mood regulation Wake/sleep pattern Appetite
Confusion Increased reflexes Restlessness Hallucinations Extreme agitation Fluctuations in blood pressure Increased heart rate Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Fever Seizures
Migraines Heavy Sweating Goosebumps Unable to fall into a deep, restful sleep Heightened anger Craving sweets and starches
inhibitory
Calming the Fear Response through the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS), Regulating Stress
Drowsiness Memory Problems Dizziness
Excitatory
Excitatory
Excitatory
Excitatory (generally) but it can release inhibitory chemicals like GABA
Too little ACh.
Too little dopamine
Too much dopamine (theoretically)
Too little dopamine Unstable serotonin levels
Bottom of the brain, props it up.
Medulla, Reticular Formation, Pons
the Medulla Oblongata is responsible for all autonomic functions including body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure.
This region of the brainstem is responsible for arousal (in this case, determining whether you are awake or asleep).
the Pons serves as a relay station between the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum. This link is vital because of what both parts of the brain do. The cerebral cortex is responsible for many higher level functions such as critical thought, hearing, sensation, and sight.
Located right behind the brain stem.
muscular coordination and balance.
serves as a relay for sensory input to the rest of the brain.
Between primal brain and cerebral cortex.
Memory, emotion, and habit forming.
Amygdala, Hippocampus, Basal Ganglia
Responsible for memory.
Reward Processing/Production: Collaborating with the frontal lobe to identify which behaviors spawn spikes in reward based neurotransmitters like dopamine along the ventral tegmental area: the brain’s primary reward circuit. Habit Forming: Prioritizing reward producing behaviors with the frontal lobe. Learning And Movement: Coordinating planning with movement in cerebellum.
the largest region of the cerebellum and is responsible for receiving electrical signals from the cerebral cortex ---via the pons in the brainstem--- to help plan movements.
Corrects errors in the execution of movements.
Responsible for maintaining balance and eye tracking.
It is involved in reward and aversion processing.
produces melatonin
Symmetrical halves of the brain.
The connective tissue which allows one hemisphere to communicate with the other.
Certain parts of the brain are dedicated towards certain functions.
Front of the brain.
planning movement, decision making, and general planning.
Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), primary Motor Cortex, Broca’s Area
Decision making, critical thinking, personality formation, emotional processing.
Responsible for generating electrical impulses to move your muscles.
This area is responsible for speech production and articulation. In other words, it is responsible for choosing what you’re going to say.
Top/midpoint of the brain.
the processing of sensations.
Primary Somatosensory Cortex (S1), Secondary Somatosensory Area (S2)
Directly receives sensory input from the Thalamus (For example: Information comes in of something that feels soft.)
takes information from the Primary Somatosensory Cortex and compares it to past sensory patterns you’ve experienced.
Sides of the cerebral cortex.
Since structures in the limbic system in the lower level brain --such as the hippocampus and amygdala-- exist in the temporal lobe, it is responsible for memory and emotional responses. Additionally, it is also responsible for auditory understanding and language production.
Primary Auditory Cortex (A1), Auditory Association Area (A2), Wernicke’s Area
Directly receives sound and determines the quality of it. (For example: A loud sharp sound is differentiated from a soft droning sound.)
Processes the sound from the Auditory Cortex and compares it to other sounds the subject has heard. (For example: Is the loud sharp sound a gunshot or a car alarm)
Part of the brain responsible for understanding language. This area is synaptically connected to Broca's area in the frontal lobe which helps make language possible.
Location: Back of the brain/head/cerebral cortex.
Processes what you see.
Primary Visual Cortex (V1), ventral Stream, Fusiform Face Area/Gyrus
Immediately identifies the basic data of what you see ---specifically shapes and shadows.
Also known as the “what pathway,” this series of synaptic connections sends visual information away from the Primary Visual Cortex and towards the Temporal Lobe for emotional evaluation/recognition.
This region of the Occipital Lobe is connected to the Temporal Lobe and is responsible for recognizing faces and people.
processing a sense of self, integrating social impressions, theory of mind, morality judgments.
critical for the representation of reward- and value-based decision making, through interactions with the ventral striatum and amygdala --i.e. “Is this course of action worth it?”
specializes in executive functions including working memory and selective attention
specializes in inhibition and goal planning response.
Advance emotional processing.
Primary reward circuit, helps stimulate dopamine.
a neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize the faces of familiar people.
regions of the cerebral cortex that are the most recently evolved and therefore are in the outermost layer of the brain.
the largest part of the brain, forming most of the forebrain and lying in front of and above the cerebellum.
Took a railroad spike through the brain and lived. Most famous example of brain plasticity.
World renowned neuroscientist. Worked on split brain psychology under Roger Sperry to discover “left brain/right brain” psychology.
World renowned neurosurgeon, successfully removed two conjoined twins at the head and then performed hemispherectomies (the removal of a hemisphere.)
World renowned neuroscientist. Worked on split brain psychology under Michael Gazzaniga to discover “left brain/right brain” psychology.
Damages to the brain.
The brain’s ability to rewire itself to recover from an accident.
the removal of a hemisphere that is no longer working.
Critical thinking, logical.
Expressive, outgoing, creative
A chemical that helps other chemicals perform better.
A chemical that prohibits other chemicals in the brain from performing in their intended ways.
A chemical that prohibits neurotransmitters from returning to the presynaptic neuron that sent the message.
Endorphins are produced to help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve mood.
part of the brain that channels dopamine
a chemical known for producing inhibitory chemicals and neurotransmitters which slow down electrical activity in the nervous system.
an inability to process drugs with the same efficiency they did before. This requires higher quantities to replicate the sensation.
a state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs.
pictures of structures within the body created by a computer that takes the data from multiple X-ray images and turns them in pictures.
uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body.
A PET scan uses a radioactive drug (tracer) to show this activity. This scan can sometimes detect disease before it shows up on other imaging tests.
Images that appear differently in a perceptual field.
A form of fleeting information used to help a subject solve a problem (and then the information is forgotten).
Information that remains in a subject’s nervous system for only a short amount of time ---usually within 30 minutes.
Information that is properly encoded and stored in the cerebral cortex --theoretically forever.
acts in which your brain purposefully examines information for it to be encoded (more likely to be remembered).
Acts in which your brain examines information without you telling it (most likely to be forgotten)
Taking processed information and preparing it for storage.
the neurobiological processes by which a permanent memory is formed following a learning experience.
The changing of brain structures so new information can be remembered.
a vivid, enduring memory associated with a personally significant and emotional event, often including such details as where the individual was or what he or she was doing at the time of the event.
long-term memory for the skills involved in particular tasks. Procedural memory is demonstrated by skilled performance and is often separate from the ability to verbalize this knowledge
memory for general factual knowledge and concepts, of the kind that endows information with meaning and ultimately allows people to engage in such complex cognitive processes as recognizing objects and using language.
the ability to remember personally experienced events associated with a particular time and place.
consistency between one’s mood state and the emotional context of memories recalled. During positive mood states, individuals will tend to retrieve pleasant memories, whereas during negative mood states, negative thoughts and associations will more likely come to mind.
the tendency for facts, impressions, or items that are presented first to be better learned or remembered than material presented later in the sequence.
recall
Making a catchy saying to help you remember the information. Rhymes or alliterations are the best.
In this form of amnesia, a subject is unable to make new memories.
In this form of amnesia, a subject is unable to recall memories that have been encoded and stored.
a phenomenon in which a person mistakenly recalls misleading information that an experimenter has provided, instead of accurately recalling the correct information that had been presented earlier.
Proactive Interference: occurs when you cannot learn a new task because of an old task that had been learnt. Retroactive Interference: occurs when you forget a previously learnt task due to the learning of a new task.
: In this form of effortful processing, images are prioritized so that they can be easily recalled and understood later on. For example, if you are learning to dance, some people learn the moves easier by watching someone else perform the dance
In this form of effortful processing, information is prioritized into either the reception or production of sound to further encode in the brain. For example, have you ever been in a situation in which someone asked you to repeat what they said to make sure you understand it?
this form of effortful processing is considered to be the most successful of the three because it takes the information into the most understandable meanings. For example, if you are trying to remember the parts of the neuron, you might create devices that break down each region into its semantic meaning such as “deliveries are made at the dendrites” and “axons carry messages away.”
Any memory related to a fleeting display (aka less than a second/ “blink and you’ll miss it”) kind of a visual stimulus.
This kind of memory relates to brief auditory stimuli and is a result of automatic processing (your brain vaguely acknowledging information without you telling it to remember it). Think of it this way, have you ever been in a conversation with someone in which you were not fully invested?
This kind of memory relates to how something feels.
Developed the forgetting curve. The idea that our memory can degrade overtime.
Discovered that human short-term memory is generally limited to holding seven pieces of information, plus or minus two.
The “Low Road” Passes through the primal brain, specifically the amygdala where the basic judgements and instant reactions are made. Which region of the brain is affected first? Primal brain, specifically amygdala Symptom of Shock: Sudden, instant, fleeting but sharp. The “High Road”: Passes through the cerebral cortex and is complex in its processing and judgments. Which region of the brain is affected first?: The cerebral cortex, specifically the Orbitofrontal Cortex in the Frontal Lobe. Symptoms of Suspense: Slow growing fear, long lasting, haunting.
An anxiety disorder characterized by disruptive, irrational fears of objects, activities or situations with the compelling desire to escape and avoid it.
Any sound that is under 20 hertz and can barely be registered by human ears.
An anxiety disorder characterized with physical symptoms like choking sensations or shortness of breath.