Biopsychology

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A brain imaging technique that measures metabolic activity in the brain.

VX nerve agent

An extremely potent chemical weapon that can cause severe paralysis and death.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system.

Resting potential

The state of a neuron when it is at rest, approximately −70 mV, with a negative inside and a positive outside.

Action potential

An electrical spike in a neuron that occurs when it becomes sufficiently depolarized.

Myelin sheath

An insulating layer that surrounds the axon of a neuron, speeding up action potential transmission.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs via neurotransmitters.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter used by motor neurons and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Broca's Aphasia

A language production disorder resulting from damage to Broca's area, characterized by difficulty in speech production.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections after injury.

Executive functions

Cognitive processes that allow for planning, problem-solving, and self-control.

Orbitofrontal syndrome

Behavioral changes resulting from damage to the orbitofrontal cortex, including social disinhibition and impulsivity.

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in detecting threats and initiating fight-or-flight responses.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

A neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, often related to chronic alcohol use, leading to amnesia and confabulation.

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

A severe withdrawal syndrome from alcohol characterized by confusion, agitation, and seizures.

GABA

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which alcohol enhances the action of.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

A vitamin essential for glucose metabolism, deficiency of which can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, motivation, and addiction.