Unit 2 Psychology

nerves branching out from spinal cord

long, thin cells of nerve tissue along which messages travel to/from the brain

chemicals released by neurons which determine the rate at which neurons fire

center of control of the endocrine system that secretes a large number of hormones

part of PNS; controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles

part of the PNS; controls internal bio. functions

machine used to record the electrical activity of large portions of the brain

imaging technique used to study the brain to pinpoint injuries and brain deterioration

imaging technique used to see which brain areas are being activated while performing tasks

imaging technique used to study brain structure and activity

small part above pons; integrates sensory info. & relays it upward

part of brain that covers brain's central core

part of brain at rear base of skull; involved in basic processes of life

chem. substances that carry messages through the body in the blood

produces thyroxine; controls metabolic rate

release epinephrine & norepinephrine; heartbeat & breathing increase & heightens emotions; prepares for fight/flight

affect physical & sexual development

genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring

stage of sleep with rapid eye movement, high brain activity, deep relaxation of muscles, and dreaming

the rhythm of activity and inactivity lasting approx. 1 day

process of learning to control bodily states with the help of machines monitoring the states to be controlled

the focusing of one's mind and produce relaxation

a state of consciousness resulting from a narrowed focus of attention and characterized by heightened suggestibility

chemicals that affect the nervous system and result in altered consciouness

the weakest amount of a stimulus that a person can detect half the time

the principle that for any chagne in a stimulus to be detected, a constant proportion of that stimulus must be added or subtracted

the study of people's tendencies to make correct jusgements in detecting the prescence of stimuli

what occurs when a stimulus activates a receptor

the organization of sensory information into meaningful experiences

the sense of movement and body position

the experience that comes from organizing bits and pieces of info. into meaningful wholes