The Biology of Behavior - Chapter 2

Flashcards covering the biology of behavior, including neurons, the nervous system, the brain, and genetics.

Biopsychosocial Systems

Humans are biopsychosocial systems where biology and experience interact, facilitating new pathways as the brain changes and adapts.

Neuron (Nerve Cell)

A single cell in the brain that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.

Axon

Long, thin fiber that transmits signals away from the soma to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Dendrite

Feeler-like structures specialized to receive information.

Cell Body (Soma)

Part of a neuron containing the nucleus; the cell's life-support center.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons, enabling greater transmission speed.

Terminal Buttons (Axon Terminal)

Small knobs that secrete chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, separated by the synaptic cleft.

Action Potential

The way neurons communicate, involving electrical and chemical signals.

Reuptake

The process where neurotransmitters that are not used are reabsorbed into the axon.

Glial Cells (Glia)

Cells that support, nourish, and protect neurons in the nervous system.

Neurotransmitters (NTs)

Chemical messengers that bind to receptor sites, affecting behavior.

Agonists

Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters and fool receptor sites.

Antagonists

Chemicals that oppose the action of neurotransmitters.

Dopamine

Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion. Excess is linked to schizophrenia, lack to Parkinson's

Endorphins

Elevate mood and ease pain (e.g., runner’s high).

Serotonin

Affects mood and arousal; regulation of various functions.

Norepinephrine

Affects alertness and arousal.

Communication Network (Nervous System)

Takes information from the world and the body to make decisions and send orders back.

Sensory Neurons

Receive information from the environment.

Interneurons

Connect one neuron to another.

Motor Neurons

Move muscles.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic System

Enables voluntary skeletal muscle control.

Autonomic (ANS) System

Controls glands and internal organs.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Arouses and expends energy (fight or flight).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Conserves energy as it calms (maintains homeostasis).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord.

Endocrine System

Slow chemical communication system; set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Hindbrain

Directs essential survival functions.

Midbrain

Connects the hindbrain with the forebrain, controlling some motor movement and transmitting auditory/visual information.

Forebrain

Manages complex cognitive activities and sensory/voluntary motor activities.

Medulla

In charge of circulation, breathing, muscle tone, and regulating reflexes.

Pons

Important in sleep and arousal.

Reticular Formation

Controls arousal, sleep, breathing, and pain perception.

Cerebellum

Critical in the coordination of movement and equilibrium; enables nonverbal learning and memory.

Thalamus

Brain’s sensory control center.

Amygdala

Linked to emotion.

Hypothalamus

Regulator of basic biological needs (hunger, thirst, sex drive, temperature).

Hippocampus

Helps process explicit (conscious) memories.

Cerebrum / Cerebral Cortex

Largest and most complex portion of the human brain; responsible for complex mental activities.

Neural Plasticity

Ability to change in response to experiences.

Neurogenesis

Producing new neurons.

Frontal Lobes

Speaking and muscle movements and in making plans/judgments.

Primary Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movements.

Broca's Area

Controls language expression; directs muscle movements involved in speech. Damage results in Broca’s Aphasia.

Primary Somatosensory Cortex (Parietal Lobes)

Receives sensory input for touch and body position.

Primary Visual Cortex (Occipital Lobes)

Includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.

Primary Auditory Cortex (Temporal Lobes)

Each receives information primarily from the opposite ear.

Wernicke’s Area

Controls language reception. Damage results in Wernicke’s Aphasia.

Prefrontal Cortex

Enables judgment, planning, social interactions, and new memory processing.

Chromosomes

Strands of DNA carrying genetic information.

Twin Studies

Compare resemblance of identical and fraternal twins on a trait.

Adoption Studies

Examine resemblance between adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents.

Evolutionary Basis of Behavior

Based on Darwin’s ideas of natural selection; reproductive success is key.