Gene-Brain-Behaviour Associations in Neurodevelopment

This collection of flashcards encompasses key concepts related to biological psychology, the nervous system, and the interplay between genetics and behavior.

Biological Psychology

The study of the biological basis of behavior, including the neurological and genetic influences.

Aetiology

The study of the causes or origins of a disease or condition.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The complex of nerve tissues that control the activities of the body, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord.

Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Glial Cell

Supportive cells in the nervous system that protect neurons and maintain homeostasis.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted.

Autonomic Nervous System

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

A system that regulates stress response and connects the nervous system with the endocrine system.

Epigenetics

The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living organisms.

Allostasis

The process by which the body responds to stressors to regain homeostasis over time.

Neurogenesis

The process of forming new neurons in the brain.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of synapses between neurons in the nervous system.

Myelination

The process by which a fatty layer (myelin) forms around the axons of neurons to increase signal transmission speed.