Flashcards
Kafli 1
Cards in this deck (20)
- 1ModelA mathematical or physical analogy for a physiological process; for example, computers have been used as models for various functions of the brain.
- 2Behavioral NeuroscientistA scientist who studies the physiology of behavior, primarily by performing physiological and behavioral experiments with laboratory animals.
- 3NeotenyA slowing of the process of maturation, allowing more time for growth; an important factor in the development of large brains.
- 4EvolutionA gradual change in the structure and physiology of plant and animal species—generally producing more complex organisms—as a result of natural selection.
- 5Selective AdvantageA characteristic of an organism that permits it to produce more than the average number of offspring of its species.
- 6MutationA change in the genetic information contained in the chromosomes of sperm or eggs, which can be passed on to an organism’s offspring; provides genetic variability.
- 7Natural SelectionThe process by which inherited traits that confer a selective advantage (increase an animal’s likelihood to live and reproduce) become more prevalent in a population.
- 8FunctionalismThe principle that the best way to understand a biological phenomenon (a behavior or a physiological structure) is to try to understand its useful functions for the organism.
- 9Experimental AblationThe research method in which the function of a part of the brain is inferred by observing the behaviors an animal can no longer perform after that part is damaged.
- 10Doctrine of Specific Nerve EnergiesMüller’s conclusion that, because all nerve fibers carry the same type of message, sensory information must be specified by the particular nerve fibers that are active.
- 11DualismThe belief that the body is physical but the mind (or soul) is not.
- 12ReflexAn automatic, stereotyped movement that is produced as the direct result of a stimulus.
- 13ReductionA type of scientific explanation; a phenomenon is described in terms of the more elementary processes that underlie it.
- 14GeneralizationA type of scientific explanation; a general conclusion based on many observations of similar phenomena.
- 15Unilateral NeglectA syndrome in which people ignore objects located toward their left and the left sides of objects located anywhere; most often caused by damage to the right parietal lobe.
- 16Cerebral HemispheresThe two symmetrical halves of the brain; constitute the major part of the brain.
- 17Split-Brain OperationBrain surgery that is occasionally performed to treat a form of epilepsy; the surgeon cuts the corpus callosum, which connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
- 18Corpus CallosumThe largest commissure of the brain, interconnecting the areas of neocortex on each side of the brain.
- 19BlindsightThe ability of a person who cannot see objects in his or her blind field to accurately reach for them while remaining unconscious of perceiving them; caused by damage to the “mammalian” visual system of the brain.
- 20MonismThe belief that the world consists only of matter and energy and that the mind is a phenomenon produced by the workings of the nervous system.
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- Physiology of Behavior (Hugtök FlashCards) Flashcards on Kafli 1, created by bykkja on 18/04/2013.
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