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Explore the essential components of the nervous system, from neurons to brain lobes, and learn how psychologists study the brain using various techniques like EEG and MRI. Discover the Endocrine System's role in hormonal communication and the influence of heredity and environment on traits.
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The nervous system is divided into two parts: • Central Nervous System (CNS) : the brain and spinal cord • Spinal Cord : nerves that run 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 Neurons: the long, thin cells of nerve tissue along which messages travel to and from the brain Neurotransmitters: the chemicals released by neurons, which determine the rate at which other neurons fire.
Synapse • Synapse: the gap that exists between individual nerve cells
Voluntary and Involuntary Activities • Somatic Nervous System (SNS) : refers to the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary activities. • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) : the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls internal biological functions
Studying the Brain • 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
The Lobes of the Brain • Lobes: the different regions into which the cerebral cortex is divided
How Psychologists Study the Brain • Electroencephalograph (EEG): a machine used to record the electrical activity of large portions of the brain
Images • 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
The Endocrine System 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
Thyroid Gland: produces the hormone thyroxinewhich stimulates certain chemical reactions that are important for all tissues of the body.
Adrenal Glands: become active when a person is angry or frightened, they release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodstream
Twin Studies • 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