Biological Bases of Behavior -1

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the biological bases of behavior in psychology.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various physiological processes.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone activated during the fight-or-flight response, speeding up bodily processes in stressful situations.

Leptin

A hormone involved in weight regulation that suppresses hunger.

Ghrelin

A hormone that motivates eating and increases hunger.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness responses.

Oxytocin

A hormone that promotes bonding, trust, and feelings of love.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All the nerves in the body outside of the CNS, divided into somatic and autonomic systems.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary muscle movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary body functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic system that prepares the body for stress-related activities; activates fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Restores the body to a state of calm after stress; promotes rest and digestion.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in motor movement and alertness; its lack is associated with Parkinson's disease.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood; its deficit is linked to depression.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An important inhibitory neurotransmitter that prevents excessive neural activity.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, involved in complex functions such as thought, reasoning, and voluntary muscle movements.

Frontal Lobe

Region of the brain associated with executive functions, such as reasoning, planning, judgment, and impulse control.

Parietal Lobe

Region of the brain that processes sensory information related to touch.

Temporal Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for processing auditory information and memory.

Occipital Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for visual processing.

Hemispheric Specialization

The idea that each hemisphere of the brain is specialized for certain functions, such as language in the left and spatial abilities in the right.