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Chapter 6
Understanding Psychology by Richard A. Kasschau, Ph.D.
Question | Answer |
---|---|
central nervous system (CNS) | the brain and spinal cord |
spinal cord | nerves that run up and down the length of the back and transmit most messages between the body and brain |
peripheral nervous system (PNS) | nerves branching out from the spinal cord |
neurons | the long, thin cells of nerve tissue along which messages travel to and from the brain |
synapse | the gap that exists between individual nerve cells |
neurotransmitters | the chemicals released by neurons, which determine the rate at which other neurons fire |
somatic nervous system (SNS) | the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles |
autonomic nervous system (ANS) | the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls internal biological functions |
hindbrain | a part of the brain located at the rear base of the skull that is involved in the basic processes of life |
midbrain | a small part of the brain above the pons that integrates sensory information and relays it upward |
forebrain | a part of the brain that covers the brain's central core |
lobes | the different regions into which the cerebral cortex is divided |
electroencephalograph (EEG) | a machine used to record the electrical activity of large portions of the brain |
computerized axial tomography (CAT) | an imaging technique used to study the brain to pinpoint injuries and brain deterioration |
positron emission tomography (PET) | an imaging technique used to see which brain areas are being activated while performing tasks |
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | an imaging technique used to study brain structure and activity |
endocrine system | a chemical communication system, using hormones, by which messages are sent through the bloodstream |
hormones | chemical substances that carry messages through the body in blood |
pituitary gland | the center of control of the endocrine system that secretes a large number of hormones |
heredity | the genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to their offspring |
identical twins | twins who come from one fertilized egg; twins having the same heredity |
genes | the basic building blocks of heredity |
fraternal twins | twins who come from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm |