Psych 111 chapter 3

Coordinates fine motor control, and some learning/memory

Plays role in vital body functions such as heart rate and breathing

axon fibers connecting two cerebral hemispheres

relays messages between lower brain centers and cerebral cortex

controls maintenance functions such as eating; helps govern endocrine system; linked to emotion and reward

master endocrine gland

a structure in the limbic system linked to memory

pathway for neural fibers traveling to and from brain; controls simple reflexes

neural centers in the limbic system linked to emotion

ultimate control and information-processing center

controls voluntary muscular movements

involved in perception, language, and thought

Receives sensory input for heat, touch, cold, balance and body movement

involved in higher mental abilities (goal setting, judgment, planning, impulse control, etc.)

involved in speech comprehension

involved in production of speech

Relatively greater location of a function in one hemisphere

verbal, logical mathematical capabilities

mental imagery, artistic ability, spatial relationships

receive messages from other neurons

contains the genetic information that determines cell function

conducts electrical impulses

space between the axons and dendrites

surround neuron and hold them in place

insulation layer that covers axons in the brain and spinal cord and allows for high-speed conduction

neurotransmitters depolarize the postsynaptic cell by allowing Na+ ions to flow into the cell

neurotransmitters hyperpolarize the membrane by allowing K+ ions to flow out of the cell and allowing Cl- to flow into the cell

genetic makeup of an individual

observable characteristics produced by genes

mimic the action of a neurotransmitter

bind to a receptor, but do NOT activate it. They block the action of a neurotransmitter

allow transmitters to remain in synapse longer

block enzymes that would normally degrade transmitters

involved in memory and muscle activity

involved in motor movement and addiction

enhances mood, eating, sleep, and sexual behavior

involved in arousal and responses to stress

reduce pain and increase feeling of well-being

ability of neurons to change in structure and function

carry input messages from the sense organs to the spinal cord and brain

transmit impulses from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and organs

perform connective or associative functions in the nervous system

brain and spinal cord

connects CNS with the muscles, glands, and sensory receptors

consists of sensory and motor neurons that work together and coordinate voluntary actions

controls glands and smooth muscles in bodily organs

other chemicals in the synapse break down neurotransmitters into their chemical components

neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic axon terminal

beam of x-rays takes pictures of narrow slices of the brain

measures brain activity, including metabolism, blood flow, and neurotransmitter activity

used to study brain structure and activity

allows for studying brain function as people perform various tasks