Chapter 2 Flashcards
1
Q
Brain activity and behavior
A
- Our thoughts/actions are determined by electrical and chemical activity in the brain
- Capgras Syndrome
- Capgras and Reboul-Lachaux (1923)
- Able to recognize people in their lives
- Believe that the people they see are impersonating those they recognize
2
Q
The brain
A
- weighs <1lb at birth -> 3+ lbd in adulthood
- comprised of neurons and glia cells
- Has 100 billion neurons
- around the same number of stars that are in the galaxy - 100 trillion connections
- Has 100 billion neurons
3
Q
Neural communication
A
- the job of neurons is to send information across the brain
- initiates the process with electricity
- the “firing” of a neuron is called an action potential
4
Q
Action potential
A
- the change in electrical charge of a neuron from negative to positive
- Neurons rest at -70mV
- electrical stimulation causes depolarization
- message is sent along the axon =+40mV
- change in charge propagates from soma to axon terminal buttons
- neuron rests after filing (refractory period)
5
Q
Neural communication
A
Synapse: where axon terminals of one neuron and the dendrites of another meet
Synaptic cleft: the region of space where neurotransmitters are exchanged
- neurotransmitters are chemical signals for the next neuron
6
Q
Neurotransmitters are?
A
- released by the pre-synaptic neuron
- cross the synapse, the many bind to the receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron
- others may drift away, get broken down, or get reabsorbed into the pre-synaptic neuron
Reuptake
- others may drift away, get broken down, or get reabsorbed into the pre-synaptic neuron
7
Q
Neurotransmitters can be?
A
- excitatory: encourage firing
- inhibitory: discourage firing
- acetylcholine: used throughout the nervous system
- glutamate: (excitatory) creation or strengthening of connections between neurons
- GABA: (inhibitory) weakness the connections/reduce activity
8
Q
Antagonist
Agonist
A
Antagonist: decreases the neurotransmitters action
Agonist: increases the neurotransmitters action
9
Q
Functional types of neurons
A
- Sensory Neurons: Sensitive to physical events (light, touch, taste, smells…)
- Glutamate - Interneurons: Transmission of info to other neurons
- Majority of neurons in our brain - Motor Neurons: Release Acetylcholine onto muscles, making contractions and creating movement
10
Q
concert of activation
A
- All 3 types of neurons can coordinate action
- Reflexes: automatic response to stimulus
- Removing your hand from a hot surface
- Sensory neurons -> Interneurons -> Motor Neurons
11
Q
The nervous system
A
- The functions of our brain are dependent on the coordinated efforts of the nervous system
- Central Nervous System
- Brain
- Spinal Cord - Peripheral Nervous System
- Somatic
- Autonomic
- Central Nervous System
12
Q
The peripheral nervous system
A
- Info gathering system so CNS can make informed decisions
- Somatic Nervous System
- Voluntary control of skeletal muscles - Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Control of glands and internal organs
- “self-regulating” system
13
Q
The peripheral nervous system does?
A
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Arouses and expends energy- Parasympathetic Nervous System - Maintain homeostasis - Bring body to calm state
14
Q
The endocrine system
A
- glands that secrete hormones, influence interest in sex, food, and aggression. Works with the nervous system to guide behavior
- adrenal glands: release epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline/noradrenaline)
- increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar
- prepares the body for fight or action
15
Q
The endocrine system
- pituitary gland
A
- located at the base of the brain next to the hypothalamus
- releases growth hormones, oxytocin
- A “master” gland
- feedback system of behavior
- influence secretion of other hormones that influence behavior
