asl

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory as well as muscle contraction.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that inhibits or blocks a biological response by binding to a receptor.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary activities.

Brain Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-level functions such as thought and action.

Contralateral Organization

The principle that each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.

Dopamine

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

EEG

Electroencephalography, a method used to record electrical activity of the brain.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and stress relievers.

Evolutionary Perspective

A perspective that views psychological traits as adaptations to survival.

Excitatory

Refers to neurotransmitters that increase the likelihood of a neural impulse in the receiving neuron.

Frontal Lobe

The region of the brain associated with reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotions.

GABA

A neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide support, nourishment, and protection for neurons.

Hallucinogen

A substance that induces alterations in perception, mood, and thought.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in learning and memory.

Inhibitory

Refers to neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of a neural impulse in the receiving neuron.

Left Hemisphere

The side of the brain that is primarily responsible for language and analytical thinking.

Marijuana

A psychoactive drug from the cannabis plant that affects mental and physical processes.

Myelin Sheath

A protective covering surrounding axons that helps speed up neural impulses.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate regarding the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human behavior.

Neurons

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

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after carrying a message.

Serotonin

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

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system associated with the voluntary control of body movements.

Stimulant

A substance that increases activity in the body and brain.

Thalamus

The brain structure that serves as a relay station for sensory and motor signals.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the brain responsible for language comprehension.

Withdraw

The symptoms that occur when a person stops taking a drug that they have become dependent on.