Biopsychology Power Point

Biopsychology

The study of biological mechanisms that underlie behavior.

Chromosome

A long strand of genetic information known as DNA.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

A helix-shaped molecule made of nucleotide base pairs.

Gene

A sequence of DNA controlling or partially controlling physical traits.

Allele

A specific version of a gene.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual inherited from parents.

Phenotype

An individual's observable physical characteristics.

Homozygous

Consisting of two identical alleles for a gene.

Heterozygous

Consisting of two different alleles for a gene.

Mutation

A sudden, permanent change in a gene.

Range of Reaction

Genes set boundaries, and environment determines where we fall within them.

Epigenetics

The study of how the same genotype leads to different phenotypes.

Dendrite

Neuron structure that receives incoming electrical signals from other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty substance insulating axons to allow quicker signal transmission.

Terminal Buttons

Axon ends containing synaptic vesicles with neurotransmitters.

Synapse

The space between terminal buttons of one neuron and dendrites of another.

Depolarization

Membrane potential becomes less negative, making neuron more likely to fire.

Hyperpolarization

Membrane potential becomes more negative, making neuron less likely to fire.

All-or-None Principle

Incoming signal is either sufficient to trigger action potential or not.

Reuptake

Moving excess neurotransmitter from synapse back into axon terminal.

Agonist

A drug that mimics or strengthens a neurotransmitter's effects.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks or impedes normal neurotransmitter activity.

Somatic Nervous System

Relays sensory and motor information to and from the CNS.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Triggers fight-or-flight response during stress-related activities.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Associated with routine, day-to-day operations under relaxed conditions.

Lateralization

The concept that each brain hemisphere has specialized functions.

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of neural fibers connecting left and right hemispheres.

Broca's Area

Frontal lobe region essential for language production.

Wernicke's Area

Temporal lobe region essential for speech comprehension.

Somatosensory Cortex

Parietal lobe region processing touch, temperature, and pain.

Thalamus

Sensory relay center of the brain for all senses except smell.

Amygdala

Limbic structure processing emotion, memory, and fear.

Hippocampus

Limbic structure associated with learning and spatial memory.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostatic processes and controls the pituitary gland.

Substantia Nigra

Midbrain area producing dopamine, involved in movement control.

Cerebellum

Hindbrain structure controlling balance, coordination, and motor skills.

CT Scan

Imaging technique using x-rays to show brain structure densities.

PET Scan

Imaging technique tracking mildly radioactive substance to show brain activity.

fMRI

Magnetic resonance imaging showing changes in brain metabolic activity over time.

EEG

Records electrical activity of the brain via scalp electrodes.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland controlling secretions of all other endocrine glands.