Biological Bases Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Biological Bases of Psychology.

Heredity

The genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

Environmental Factors

External influences that affect an individual's development and behavior.

Evolutionary Perspective

An approach that analyzes behavior and mental processes in terms of their adaptive value over time.

Eugenics

The study of or belief in improving the genetic quality of the human population.

Twin Studies

Research studies that compare the similarities and differences between identical and fraternal twins to understand the influence of genetics and environment.

Nervous System

The complex network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body.

Central Nervous System

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, serving as the main control center for processing information.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, consisting of sensory and motor neurons.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary actions and regulates bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and restores the body to a state of calm.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses throughout the nervous system.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells that assist neurons in their functions and maintain homeostasis.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, involving sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Sensory Neurons

Nerve cells that carry information from the sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles, causing movement.

All or Nothing Principle

The concept that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all.

Depolarization

The process by which a neuron's membrane potential becomes less negative and reaches the threshold for an action potential.

Refractory Period

The recovery phase during which a neuron cannot fire again after an action potential.

Resting Potential

The state of a neuron when it is not actively firing, characterized by a negative charge inside relative to the outside.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after signaling.

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motor control.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal, alertness, and the fight-or-flight response.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, important for synaptic plasticity.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps regulate anxiety.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and are associated with feelings of pleasure.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and memory formation.

Adrenaline

A hormone released during stress that prepares the body for quick responses.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter perceptions, mood, and behavior by affecting the nervous system.

Agonists

Drugs that enhance or mimic the action of neurotransmitters.

Antagonists

Drugs that block or inhibit the actions of neurotransmitters.

Reuptake Inhibitors

Medications that prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synapse.

Stimulants

Substances that increase neural activity and arousal.

Depressants

Drugs that decrease neural activity and slow down body functions.

Hallucinogens

Substances that cause perceptual distortions and altered states of consciousness.

Opioids

A class of drugs that includes pain relievers and can produce feelings of euphoria.

Tolerance

A physiological response where higher doses of a drug are required to achieve the same effect.

Addiction

A psychological and physical dependence on a substance.

Withdrawal

A set of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when an individual stops using an addictive substance.

Brain Stem

The oldest part of the brain, responsible for basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that regulates coordination, balance, and motor control.

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain associated with emotions and memory.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station, directing sensory information to the appropriate areas.

Hypothalamus

A brain region controlling homeostasis, hunger, thirst, and regulating the endocrine system.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master gland' that regulates other endocrine glands and controls various bodily functions.

Hippocampus

A region of the brain associated with memory formation.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped structure in the brain involved in emotion processing and memory.

Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for complex behaviors, thought processes, and sensory perception.

Frontal Lobes

Brain regions responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling behavior.

Motor Cortex

The area of the cerebral cortex that controls voluntary movements.

Brain Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections throughout life.