key terms near psych

Agnosia

An inability to recognise sensations and thus unable to recognise things.

Asymmetrical function

The 2 hemispheres are not equal in what they do; each hemisphere controls different functions, or plays a larger or smaller role in a particular behaviour.   Therefore the 2 hemispheres look similar but they are not mirror images of each other.

Axon

The long structure that connects the cell body of the neuron to the terminal button at the end of the cell.

Brain

The organ in the head made up of nerves that process information and controls behaviour.

Brain stem

The part of the brain which connects the spinal cord to the upper brain. The brain stem controls the reflexes (automatic actions that do not require conscious thought).

Central Nervous System

The brain and the spinal cord.  The CNS relays messages from the brain to the rest of the body to instruct it what to do.

Cerebellum

The area of the brain near the brain stem that controls motor movement.  Vital role in movement, co-ordination and balance.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain and where higher processing takes place.

Corpus Callosum

Helps the two hemispheres work together a thick layer of nerve fibres called the corpus callosum connect them together.  This allows the two hemispheres to communicate with each other so the brain can work as one complete organ.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter which helps people with attention and learning

EEG

(Electroencephalograph) is a method of measuring brain activity via electrodes which pick up brain wave activity.  

Frontal Lobe

At front of brain & responsible for planning, decision making and impulse control.  At the back of this lobe is the motor cortex (voluntary movement such as kicking a ball).

GABA

A neurotransmitter which…