Localization of Function/ Techniques for studying the brain
What is Localization of Function?
Assumption that specific functions are associated with specific areas of the brain
What is Neuroplasticity?
Ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers involved with metabolism and long-term functioning of the body
What is the function of the hormone, oxytocin?
Mother-child attachment; social bonding
What are behavioral genetics?
Understanding how both genetics and environment contribute to individual variations in human behavior
What are the four techniques for studying the brain?
Pet scan, CT scan, MRI, fMRI
What are Neurons?
Specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; nerve cell
What is the endocrine system?
Body's “slow” chemical communication system to secrete hormones into the bloodstream
What is the function of the hormone, testosterone and estrogen?
Development, emotion
What are the four limitations to evolution?
based on assumptions that behaviors are inherited, hard to test empirical evolution, research is highly artificial, underestimate role of cultural influences and learning
What is Localization of Function research based on? List at least 3
Animal experimentation, lesioning, post-mortem studies, case studies, computer imaging
What is the nervous system divided into?
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and Central Nervous System (CNS)
What is the function of the hormone, adrenaline?
Fight or flight arousal
What are the three potential pheromones in humans?
Androstadienone (AND), estratetrenol (EST), and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
What is natural selection?
inherited traits and variation that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations
What is the Peripheral Nervous System divided into?
Sensory neurons and motor neurons
What is the function of the hormone, cortisol?
Arousal, stress hormone, memory
measures how much variation in behavior/disorders can be attributed to genetics
What are neural networks?
Nerve cells arranged together in our brain to form a network of neurons. These neurons pass electrical impulses from one neuron to another.
What is the function of the hormone, melatonin?
Regulation of sleep