Unit 2: Biopsychology Vocabulary

Studying behavior holistically means...

... taking multiple factors (or the entire human being) into account when studying behavior.

Studying behavior from a reductionist viewpoint means...

... to study behavior scientifically, we need to isolate certain factors or behaviors and study them individually.

Localization

... the idea that every behavior is associated with a specific brain region or area.

The Nervous System

A system of neurons that perform the function of communication throughout the body.

The central nervous system consists of...

... the spinal chord and the brain.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change by the development of synaptic connections between neurons or neural networks. This could be caused by genetic or environmental factors.

fMRI

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a noninvasive brain imaging technique that measures brain activity by tracking blood flow in the brain:

MRI

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed 3D images of the inside of the body.

EEG

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a painless test that measures the electrical activity in your brain and records your brain waves.

CAT (CT) Scan

A CAT scan, or computed tomography (CT) scan, is a noninvasive medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body.

PET Scan

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to show how well your organs and tissues are working and to look for disease.

Neural Transmission

Nerve impulses travel along neurons until the reach a synapse.

Neuron

Nerve cells that send messages all over your body to allow you to do everything from breathing to talking, eating, walking, and thinking.

Synapse

The places where neurons connect and communicate with each other.

Neurotransmitter

Mediate the events or impulses in a synapse.

Excitatory Neurotransmitter

Allow the events or impulses to cross a synapse.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

Prevent or stop the events or impulses to cross a synapse.

Agonist

Amply the effect of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

Reduce the effect or a neurotransmitter.

Neural Networks

Develop with the making or breaking of synaptic connections between neurons.

Hormones

Chemicals released by specific glands that regulate changes in the body. Some are neurotransmitters, and can be used to study mood, attention, and behavior.

Pheromones

Chemical signals that trigger specific behaviors or physiological responses in members of the same species. Though there is increasing evidence that these could have an effect on human behavior, none of these are conclusive or scientifically backed.

Genes

Made up of DNA which provides the structure and function of the human body.

Gene Expression & Regulation

Genes can be switched on and off (regulation) - meaning having a particular gene for a behavior does not mean that the individual will exhibit that behavior (expression).

Natural Selection Survival of the fittest - traits that may be physical or behavioral that are regarded as favorable traits as they allow an individual to aquire sufficient recourses to survive and reproduce.

The Nervous System

A system of neurons responsible for communication in the body. It consists of the spinal chord and brain.

Cortex

The layer of neurons covering the brain on the outside. Largest part of the human brain associated with abstract thought or voluntary action.

Frontal Lobes

Associated with reasoning, planning, thinking, decision making, voluntary action, complex emotion, etc.

Parietal Lobe

Associated with movement, orientation, perception, and recognition.

Occipital Lobe

Associated with visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

Associated with processing auditory information, memory, and speech.

Left Hemisphere

Associated with behaviors that are logical, analytical, and orderly.

Right Hemisphere

Associated with behaviors that visual, intuitive, and creative.

Corpus Callosum

A structure that divides the two hemispheres of the brain.

Cerebellum

Associated with coordination of moment and balance, it is also called "the little brain."

The Limbic System

A group of brain structures that control emotions, memory, and other behaviors.

Thalamus

Associated with most sensory functions, the nerves from almost all sensory organs reash this area as a final processing headquarters before they are connected to the cortex.

Hypothalamus

Associated with functions such as emotion, thirst, and hunger.

Amygdala

Associated with memory, emotion, and fear.

Hippocampus

Associated with functions such as learning, memory, and transferring short-term memory to a more permanent store, spacial orientation, etc.

Brain Stem

Regulates basic vital processes such as breathing or heartbeat.

Synaptic Plasticity

the ability of the neuron to form new synaptic connections.

Cortical Remapping

The phenomenon when one brain area takes over the function of another brain area, for example, due to injury.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor - blocks the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin

Placebo

A harmless substance with no effect.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene, can be dominant or recessive.

Genotype

The set of traits that is coded into your DNA - the plan that is in your genes.

Phenotype

Observable characteristics or unobservable characteristics - the implementation of what is in your genes.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors and behaviors can alter the way genes work without changing the DNA sequence.

Evolution

The idea that all species are related and change over time from generation to generation.

Natural Selection

a process that explains how organisms evolve over time by adapting to their environment - ideal survival traits develop over time, where as traits that no longer benefit no longer transfer to the next generation.

Strict Localization

Suggests that each brain function is linked to a very specific and fixed area of the brain 

Relative Localization

Recognizes that while certain areas may specialize in certain functions, other areas may also contribute

Distributed Localization

Emphasizes that functions are not isolated to one area but are spread out across several regions that work together in a network

Lateralization of a Function

Describes how certain processes are more dominant in one hemisphere than the other