Chapter 5 Flashcards
Axon
long fiber that transmits electrical impulses down the length of a neuron
Terminal buttons
structure at the end of an axon where chemical message is sent to another neuron
Myelin
coating on axons that speeds transmission of electrical signals
Synapse
space between terminal buttons on one neuron and dendrites of another neuron
Neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that aid communication between neurons
Neuron
cells in the central nervous system
Central nervous system
brain and spinal cord
Cortex
outer layers of the brain (the bumpy part)
Prefrontal cortex
very front section of the cortex (forehead)
Important for planning, impulse control, attention
Limbic system
interior structures involved in memory and emotions
Amygdala
tiny structure involved in strong emotions, especially fear (almond shape
Hippocampus
main memory center; works closely with amygdala
Hypothalamus
responds to signals from the amygdala and signals hormone release
Cortisol
hormone released in response to stress
Pituitary gland
sends hormones out to various parts of the body
HPA Axis
hypothalamus – pituitary – adrenal – activated in response to stress/ threat to release stress hormones
Experience-expectant growth
brain functions require basic experiences to develop normally
vision abilities, touch, hand-eye coordination, language development
Experience-dependent growth
brain functions depend on particular,
variable experiences and therefore may or may not develop
particular language we hear, emotions we observe, how much read to, how much they sleep
Colostrum
thick, high-calorie fluid secreted by breasts at birth
Very healthy for newborns
Binocular vision
The ability to focus the two eyes in a coordinated manner in order to see one image
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
A situation in which a seemingly healthy infant, usually between 2 and 6 months, suddenly stops breathing and dies unexpectedly while asleep.
Immunization
a process that stimulates the body’s production of antibodies to defend against disease.
Herd Immunity
The level of immunity necessary in a population in order to stop transmission of infectious diseases.
Protein-calorie malnutrition
A condition in which a person does not consume sufficient food.
This deprivation can result in several illnesses, severe weight loss, and even death.
