Brain and behaviour

localization

Theory that certain areas of the brain are responsible for psychological functions.

strict localization

Idea that there is a clear correspondence between psychological functions and brain areas.

weak localization

Idea that one brain area may be responsible for a function, but not exclusively.

widely distributed functions

Functions that cannot be localized anywhere in the brain.

neuroplasticity

Ability of the brain to change itself in response to environmental demands.

cortical remapping

Neuroplasticity on the level of the cortex.

Hippocampus

Part of the limbic system implicated in emotional regulation and long term memory.

synaptic plasticity

Construction of new synaptic connections and elimination of unused ones.

agonist

Chemical that enhances the action of a neurotransmitter.

antagonist

Chemical that inhibits the actions of a neurotransmitter.

neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger stored in the axon and released into the synaptic gap.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Class of chemicals that prevent reuptake of excess serotonin in the synapse.

BOLD signal

Pulse of energy emitted by oxygenated blood when placed in an external magnetic field used in fMRI.

spatial resolution

Ability of a scanner to discriminate between nearby locations in a brain scan.

temporal resolution

Smallest time period in which a brain scan can register changes in the brain.

MRI

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain structures.

fMRI

Detects brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow.

CT scan

Uses X-ray to take cross-sectional images of the brain.

EEG

Measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

PET scan

Tracks brain functions by detecting radioactive tracers in the bloodstream.

MEG

Tracks brain function by detecting magnetic fields produced by neural activity.

endocrine system

Chemical messenger system consisting of glands that secrete hormones.

Gene knockout (KO)

Genetic technique in which one of the genes of an organism is 'switched off'.

Oxytocin

Hormone produced by the hypothalamus, associated with social interaction and reproduction.

pheromones

Chemical messengers that communicate information about fertility or sexual attractiveness.

putative human pheromones

Chemical substances hypothesized to be human pheromones.

DNA methylation

Process of adding methyl groups to DNA, affecting gene transcription.

epigenetic changes

Deviations of phenotype from genotype due to changes in gene expression.

gene

Part of DNA responsible for a specific trait or behavior.

gene expression

Process of synthesizing organic molecules based on DNA blueprint.

gene transcription

Replicating DNA sequence in a freshly synthesized RNA molecule.

gene translation

Decoding RNA molecule into a sequence of amino acids in a protein.

genotype

Set of traits as coded in an individual's DNA.

phenotype

Manifests in an individual's body, appearance, or behavior.