Unit 1 Terminology (Biological Bases of Behavior, The Brain)

Heredity

Heredity

the transmission of genetic information from biological parents to offspring.

Nature

“Genes” are the inherent biological and genetic factors that influence an individual's psychological development, traits, behaviors, and cognitive abilities.

Nurture

“Environment” the environmental influences and experiences that shape an individual's psychological development, behaviors, and cognitive processes.

Genetic predisposition

The inherited likelihood of developing specific traits or conditions due to genetic factors from biological parents.

Evolutionary perspective

the study of how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved over time to enhance survival and reproductive success.

Natural selection

the process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to future generations.

Eugenics

the belief in improving the genetic quality of a human population by controlling reproduction to increase desirable traits and decrease undesirable ones.

Twin studies

Examines similarities and differences between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins to assess the relative influence of genetics and environment on traits and behaviors.

Family studies

Analyzes similarities and differences among family members, including parents and siblings, to understand the interplay of genetics and environment in shaping traits and behaviors within a family unit.

Adoption studies

Investigates similarities between adopted children and their biological and adoptive families to assess the impact of genetics versus environment on various traits and behaviors.

Brainstem

the oldest and most primitive part of the brain, responsible for basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleep-wake cycles.

• It serves as a pathway for neural signals traveling between the brain and the rest of the body, connecting the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord.

Medulla

vital structure located at the base of the brainstem, regulating essential autonomic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure.

Reticular activating system

a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a critical role in regulating arousal, attention, and consciousness.

• It filters sensory information and modulates overall brain activity, helping to maintain wakefulness and alertness.

Reward center

network of brain structures, primarily located in the limbic system, that processes pleasurable experiences and reinforces behaviors associated with them.

Cerebellum

located at the back of the brain, below the cerebral hemispheres, responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture.

• It receives input from sensory systems and other parts of the brain to fine-tune motor movements and ensure smooth coordination.

Cerebral cortex

the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, including thinking, perceiving, and decision-making.

• Is highly folded to increase its surface area, allowing for complex neural processing and integration of information.

Limbic system

Is located beneath the cerebral cortex, is a set of brain structures involved in emotions, memory, and motivation.

Thalamus

a relay station in the brain that processes and relays sensory information, such as sight, sound, touch, and taste, to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

a small but powerful structure located below the thalamus, responsible for regulating various essential bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the sleep-wake cycle. (complaints)

Pituitary gland

small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, often referred to as the "master gland" due to its central role in regulating hormone production and secretion throughout the body.

Hippocampus

curved structure located within the brain's temporal lobes, primarily responsible for forming and consolidating new memories.

Amygdala

small, almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain's temporal lobes, involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression.

• It plays a central role in the brain's threat detection system, triggering the body's fight-or-flight response in response to perceived danger.

Corpus callosum

thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication and information sharing between the two hemispheres.

Occipital lobes

located at the back of the brain and is primarily responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes.

• It contains the primary visual cortex, which interprets visual stimuli and helps us perceive shapes, colors, and motion.

Temporal lobes

located on the sides of the brain and are involved in processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory formation.

Parietal lobes

 located at the top of the brain and are primarily responsible for processing sensory information from the body, such as touch, temperature, and spatial awareness.