Terms and
Structures (adapted from Kalat,
1998)
Adrenal Medulla the gland near the hypothalamus that secretes the
hormones Epinephrine and Norepinephrine; these hormones are generally
responsible for increased heart rate, increase muscle tension, increased blood
pressure, and the diversion of blood from internal organs into the skin, brain,
and muscles.
Adrenocorticotrpic Hormone the steroid
hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the liver to elevate
blood sugar and increase the metabolism of proteins and fats.
Amygdala Brain area located within the temporal lobe of the
cerebral cortex, heavily active during arousal, attack behaviors, escape
behaviors, and also memory and sleep.
Also heavily active during cognitive-affective activities such as stress
appraisal.
Autonomic Nervous System the set of neurons that regulate the functioning of
internal organs. It is often divided
into two parts, the sympathetic system and the parasympathetic system.
Central Nervous System the brain and spinal cord.
Circulatory System the structures responsible for the transport of blood
(fluid, hormones, nutrients, gases) throughout the body.
Cognitive-Affective Integration the pathway that appraises stressful situations involving
heavy use of the cerebral cortex and the amygdala.
Endocrine Gland a structure in the brain that produces and secretes
hormones ex. pituitary gland.
Epinephrine a hormone also known as adrenaline (see Adrenal Medulla).
Glucocorticoids the class of steroid hormones excreted by the adrenal
gland that signal the liver to increase metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
into glucose. Ex. cortisol, corticosterone.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Endocrine Axis The neural pathway that involves the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and endocrine glands.
Hypothalamus the small area near the base of the brain just ventral to
the thalamus. The activity includes
controlling daily rhythms of activity and sleep, emotional behavior, and most
regulation of homeostatic activities.
Limbic System the structures in the forebrain that include the
hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, olfactory bulb, septum, ,and other small
structures, and parts of the thalamus and cerebral cortex.
Midbrain the middle part of the brain, including the tectum,
tegmentum, superior colliculus, inferior coliculous and other structures.
Norepinephrine a hormone also known as noradrenaline (see Adrenal
Medulla).
Parasympathetic System a division of the autonomic nervous system; the system of
nerves innervating the internal organs, tending to stimulate conservation of
energy; works in opposition to the sympathetic system.
Peripheral Nervous System any nerve outside the brain and spinal cord. Ex. sensory
nerves, motor nerves, interneurons.
Pituitary Gland an endocrine secreting gland attached to the base of the
hypothalamus; sometimes called the master gland because of its role in
regulating other glands and the timing of hormone release into the bloodstream.
Reflex Arc a circuit of neurons and their connections that is
responsible for producing an automatic response to a stimuli.
Sympathetic System a division of the autonomic nervous system; the network
of nerves that innervates the internal organs and prepares the body for
vigorous activity; works in opposition to the parasympathetic system.
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