unit 1 test

Eugenics

The practice of improving the human race by controlling gene transmission, often raises ethical concerns.

Molecular Genetics

Focuses on the molecular structure and function of genes, crucial for understanding genetic disorders.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors modify gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable traits resulting from the interaction of genotype with the environment.

Heritability

Measures the extent to which genetic differences contribute to individual variations in traits.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals essential for evolution and natural selection.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins formed from a single fertilized egg, sharing identical genetic material.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins that develop from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperm.

Alleles

Variants of a gene influencing traits; dominant alleles express traits when one copy is present.

Range of Reaction

The concept that the environment can influence the expression of genetic traits within a range.

Genetic Correlation

Refers to the influence of shared genes on different traits.

Afferent Neurons

Carry sensory information to the brain.

Efferent Neurons

Transmit motor commands from the brain to the body.

Action Potential

The electrical signal that travels down a neuron when activated.

Neural Impulse

The electrical signal traveling along neurons.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

All or None Law

A neuron either fires an action potential fully or not at all.

Resting Potential

The neuron's stable, inactive state.

Reuptake

The process of neurotransmitters being reabsorbed after signal transmission.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing sensory information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body, facilitating communication.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Sensory Neurons

Carry signals from sensory organs.

Interneurons

Connect neurons within the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Transmit signals to muscles.

Glial Cells

Support and protect neurons.

Threshold

The level of stimulation needed to trigger an action potential.

Repolarization

Restores the neuron's resting potential after firing.

Absolute Refractory Period

The time during which a neuron cannot fire again.

Acetylcholine

Involved in muscle movement and memory.

Dopamine

Associated with reward, motivation, and movement.

Serotonin

Affects mood, appetite, and sleep.

Norepinephrine

Involved in alertness and the body's stress response.

Endorphins

Natural pain relievers promoting feelings of well-being.

Endocrine System

Comprises glands producing hormones regulating body functions.

Hypothalamus

A brain region controlling hunger, temperature, and the endocrine system.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Cortisol

A stress hormone affecting metabolism and immune response.

Oxytocin

Known as the 'bonding hormone', involved in childbirth and social bonding.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that affect the brain and alter mood or perception.

Agonists

Activate certain receptors in the brain.

Antagonists

Block certain receptors in the brain.

Physical Dependence

Involves withdrawal symptoms when a drug is stopped.

Psychological Dependence

Characterized by cravings for a drug's effects.

Tolerance

Occurs when the body becomes less responsive to a drug.

Withdrawal

Symptoms experienced when stopping a drug.

Stimulants

Increase nervous system activity.

Depressants

Slow down nervous system activity.

Information-Processing Theory

Posits that dreams help process and organize information.

Lucid Dreams

Dreams where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming.

Manifest Content

The actual storyline or images present in a dream.

Latent Content

The hidden, symbolic meanings behind the manifest content.

Nightmares

Disturbing dreams that evoke fear or anxiety.

Night Terrors

Characterized by intense fear and physical reactions during deep sleep.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

Excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Sleep Apnea

Breathing stops and starts during sleep.

Parasomnia

Abnormal behaviors during sleep.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

The unexplained death of an infant during sleep.

Sensation

The process of receiving and detecting sensory information.

Perception

The interpretation and organization of sensory information.

Absolute Threshold

Minimum stimulus intensity required for detection by a sensory receptor.

Signal Detection Theory

Explains how we discern between signal and noise.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The smallest detectable difference in stimulus intensity.

Sensory Adaptation

Decreased sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time.

Wavelength

The distance between peaks in a wave, determining color or pitch.

Amplitude

Height of a wave affecting intensity or loudness.

Trichromatic Theory of Color Vision

Proposes color perception is based on signals from three types of cones.

Opponent Process Theory

Suggests color perception is controlled by opposing color pairs.

Depth Perception

Ability to perceive the world in three dimensions.

Sound Localization

Determining the origin of a sound based on differences reaching each ear.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina that detect light.

Vestibular Sense

The sense of balance and spatial orientation.

Gustation

The sense of taste involving specialized receptors.

Olfaction

The sense of smell involving specialized receptors.

Pain Perception

Involves nociception, the sensory process detecting pain.

Tactile Receptors

Detect different types of stimuli related to touch.

Neural Adaptation

Decreased neural response to a stimulus after prolonged exposure.