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PSYCH Midterm

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Term
Definition
Polygenic   Traits influenced by combinations of genes  
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Genotype   Determined by the sequencing of chemicals in one’s DNA  
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Phenotype   The manner in which genetic code appears as a function of experiences and environmental influences  
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Down Syndrome   Occurs when the 21st pair of chromosomes has an extra, or third, chromosome  
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Monozygotic twins   Identical twins from the same fertilized egg  
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Dizygotic twins   Fraternal twins from two separate fertilized eggs  
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Dendrite   Receive incoming messages from adjourning cells (roots)  
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Axons   Carry messages away from the cell body (trunk  
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Terminals   Bulb-shaped structures at the end of the axons  
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Myelin   Fatty substance around axons that facilitate conduction  
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Glial cells   Remove dead neurons and waste products from the nervous system and help neurons synchronize messages to be transmitted in waves  
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Depolarized   Action of the cell while it becomes positively charged  
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Threshold   Each neuron has a threshold; the cell will not fire until the threshold is reached  
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All-or-none principle   When the threshold is reached, the neuron fires an impulse of the same strength.  
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Refractory period   A period of time when the neuron will not fire; a period of recovery during which positive sodium is not allowed to pass through the neural membrane.  
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Synapse   Junction (fluid filled gap between neurons)  
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Neurotransmitters   Chemicals that are spilled into the synaptic cleft and influence receiving the neurons  
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Receptor site   Site on receiving neuron where specific neurotransmitter fits  
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Reuptake   Sending neuron reabsorbs neurotransmitters  
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Excitatory   Neurotransmitter influences receiving cell; causes it to fire  
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Inhibitory   Neurotransmitter influences receiving cell; prevents it from firing  
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Acetylcholine (ACh)   Decreases in ACh is associated with Alzheimer's related memory problems  
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Dopamine   Affects voluntary movements, learning, memory and arousal  
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Norepinephrine   Produced largely in the brain stem; acts as a neurotransmitter and as a hormone; Involved in general arousal, learning and memory, and eating; linked to mood disorders  
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Serotonin   Involved in emotional arousal and sleep; Deficiencies have been linked to eating disorders, alcoholism, depression, aggression, and insomnia  
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Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)   Inhibitory neurotransmitter that may help calm anxiety reactions.  
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Endorphins   Inhibitory neurotransmitter; endogenous morphine; natural painkiller  
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Nerve   A bundle of axons  
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Central nervous system   Brain and spinal cord  
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Peripheral nervous system   Afferent and efferent neurons, which transmit messages from the brain or spinal cord to muscles and glands  
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Somatic nervous system   Afferent and efferent neurons that transmit sights, sounds, smells, temperature, body positions, etc.; Purposeful body movements  
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Autonomic nervous system    “Automatic” regulates the glands and internal organ muscles: heartbeat, respiration, digestion, dilation of the pupils, etc.  
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Sympathetic division   Active during processes that involve spending body energy; fight or flight  
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Parasympathetic division   Active during processes that replenish reserves of energy  
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Spinal Cord   Spinal reflexes: unlearned responses to a stimulus that may involve only two neurons: afferent and efferent  
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Interneuron   A third neuron that transmits the neural impulse from the sensory neuron through the spinal cord to the motor neuron  
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Gray matter   Non-myelinated neurons; found in brain and spinal cord  
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White matter   Myelinated neurons; found in brain and spinal cord  
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Electroencephalograph (EEG)   Detects minute amounts of electrical activity in the brain  
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Medulla   Regulates vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration  
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Pons   Transmits information about body movements and is involved in functions related to attention, sleep/alertness and respiration  
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Cerebellum   Involved in maintaining balance and controlling motor behavior  
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Reticular formation   Vital in the functions of attention, sleep and arousal  
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Thalamus   Relay station for sensory stimulation  
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Hypothalamus   Vital for body temperature regulation, concentration of fluids, storage of nutrients, and aspects of motivation and emotion; Also involved in hunger, thirst and sexual behavior  
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Limbic system   Includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and parts of the hypothalamus; Involved in memory, emotion and in the drives of hunger, sex and aggression  
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Amygdala   Connected with aggression, fear response, and vigilance  
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Cerebrum   Responsible for thinking and language  
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Corpus Callosum   A bundle of some 200 million nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres  
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The Cerebral Cortex   Cerebrum’s outer layer is about 1/8 inch thick. It is involved in bodily activities, sensations, and responses.  
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Frontal lobe   In front of central fissure; Contains the motor cortex, which causes our body to move  
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Parietal lobe    Behind central fissure.; Contains the somatosensory cortex, which receives messages from skin senses all over the body  
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Temporal lobe   Lies below the lateral fissure; Contains the auditory area (hearing)  
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Occipital lobe   Lies behind the temporal lobe; is involved with vision and language functions  
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Pituitary gland   Implicated in growth  
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Prolactin   Regulates maternal behavior in lower animals such as rats; also produces milk in women  
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Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)   Inhibits production of urine when fluid levels in the body are low  
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Oxytocin   Stimulates labor in pregnant women  
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Melatonin   Secreted by the Pineal gland and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle  
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Thyroxin   secreted by the thyroid and affects the body’s metabolism  
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Adrenal glands   Release hormones to increase resistance to stress; Promote muscle development and the release of sugar in the liver, making more energy available  
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Primary sex characteristics   Those characteristics involved in reproduction: increased penis size and sperm-producing ability of the testes  
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Secondary sex characteristics   Not directly related to reproduction: presence of a beard, deeper voice  
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