psych ch 2
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33 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 neuron | a specialized cell that conducts impulses through the nervous system and contains three major parts: a cell body, dendrites, and an axon |
| synapse | the junction where the axon terminal of a sending neuron communicates with a receiving neuron across the synaptic cleft |
| neurotransmitter | chem substance that transmits messages between neurons and come from the cell body |
| pruning | the first step in the brain development process where excess synapse is removed to make the brain stronger |
| spinal cord | part of the central nervous system and is an extension of the brain |
| reticular formation | the focus center of the brain |
| lateralization | the specialization of a certain hemisphere |
| split-brain operation | when your corpus collosum is cut |
| genes | segments of DNA found on chromosomes |
| Afferent neurons | relay messages from sense organs to spinal cord and brain |
| efferent neurons | relay signals between central nervous system and muscles/ glands |
| synaptic vesicles | contain neurotransmitters |
| re-uptake | when the neurotransmitter is taken back into the axon terminal and is reused when needed |
| axon terminal | what fires neurotransmitters |
| endorphins | type of neurotransmitter that provides relief form pain during extreme exercises and produces a felling of pleasure and well-being |
| Glial cells | removes dead parts of brain |
| medulla | part of the brain-stem that controls unconscious behaviors like breathing |
| hypothalamus | regulates hunger, thirst, sexual behavior, body temp, and contains biological clock |
| thalamus | affects our ability to learn new verbal info and aids in the production of language |
| hippo-campus | stores new memories, helps us adapt to new environment, and is a mental map |
| Amygdala | negative emotion, contains memories of bad experiences, and controls fear |
| corpus callosum | connects left and right hemisphere |
| aphasia | can't understand language |
| Occipital lobes | primary visual cortex |
| wernicke's area | interprets language |
| plasticity | ability to reshape brain |
| sympathetic nervous system | prepares body for heightened situations |
| parasympathetic nervous system | brings body back to normal |
| pituitary gland | master gland, located in brain |
| thyroid gland | produces thyroxine hormone which regulates metabolism rates |
| pancreas | produces insulin and glucagons |
| gonads | sex glands, consist of ovaries and testes, produces sex hormones |
| psychology | the study of behavior and mental processes |
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