Biological Bases of Behavior and States of Consciousness

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on the biological bases of behavior and states of consciousness.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter brain function, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior.

Agonists

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors and mimic their effects, enhancing neural activity.

Antagonists

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors without activating them, blocking the effects of neurotransmitters.

Reuptake Inhibitors

Medications that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron, increasing their concentration in the synaptic cleft.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase neural activity and arousal, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down neural activity and bodily functions, inducing relaxation and sedation.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often causing hallucinations.

Opioids

Psychoactive drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain, producing pain relief and euphoria.

Tolerance

A condition where increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects.

Withdrawal

The onset of symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive substance after prolonged use.

Addiction

A chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Circadian Rhythm

The natural, internal process regulating the sleep-wake cycle, repeating roughly every 24 hours.

Jet Lag

A temporary disruption of the body's circadian rhythm due to rapid travel across multiple time zones.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy).

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

A sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep.

Somnambulism

A sleep disorder commonly known as sleepwalking, occurring during non-REM sleep stages.