Biopsychology

Biopsychology

The biological mechanisms that underlie behavior.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Evolutionary Psychology

Focuses on how universal patterns of behavior and cognitive processes have evolved over time.

Behavioral Geneticists

Researchers who study how individual differences arise through the interaction of genes and the environment.

PET Scan

A type of scan that creates pictures of the living, active brain.

CT Scan

A scan that takes multiple x-rays of a section of the body or brain to identify issues like tumors.

MRI

Uses a magnetic field to create images of the body's internal structures.

fMRI

Shows changes in brain activity over time by tracking blood flow and oxygen levels.

EEG

A method that uses caps with nodes to study the precise timing of overall brain activities.

Chromosome

A long string of genetic information known as DNA.

DNA

The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life and is composed of pairs of chromosomes.

Allele

A specific version of a gene.

Gene

A sequence of DNA that controls or partially controls physical characteristics.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual that cannot be directly observed.

Phenotype

Observable physical characteristics resulting from the genotype.

Mutation

A sudden, permanent change in a gene.

Range of Reaction

The concept that our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, influenced by our environment.

Genetic Environmental Correlation

How the environment interacts with our genes to influence their expression.

Epigenetics

The study of gene-environment interactions.

Neurons

The basic building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information.

Action Potential

The electrical signal that travels down the axon to communicate with other neurons.

Synapse

The space between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the neuron that released them.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle action and memory.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep, and learning.

Psychotropic Medication

Drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring neurotransmitter balance.

Agonist

A drug that mimics or enhances the effect of neurotransmitters.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks or impedes the action of a neurotransmitter.

CNS (Central Nervous System)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)

The part of the nervous system that transmits messages between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with fight or flight responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates rest and relaxation.

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and arousal.

Frontal Lobe

The region of the brain responsible for executive function, planning, and emotional control.

Phineas Gage

A historical case study of a man who suffered a brain injury that changed his personality.

Occipital Lobe

The region of the brain responsible for visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

The area of the brain associated with hearing, memory, and language comprehension.

Cerebellum

The brain structure involved in balance, coordination, and motor skills.

Medulla

Part of the hindbrain that controls automatic processes like breathing and heart rate.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the nervous system to change and adapt in response to experience.

Corpus Callosum

A structure connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Thalamus

The brain area that acts as a relay station for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that regulates various bodily functions and maintains homeostasis.