Psych 101 - Biopsych

i am going to kill myself

range of reaction

genes will set the boundaries we can act in, while environment sets the range (gene-environment interaction)

genetic environmental correlation

our genes influence our environment, and our environment \n influences the expression of our genes

epigenetics

study of gene-environment interactions, such as how the same genes are expressed differently

identical twins

twins with exact same (identical) makeup

fraternal twins

twins that have different genetic makeup

glial cells

nervous system cell that provides physical/metabolic support to neurons, including neuronal insulation & communication, and nutrient & waste transport (supporters)

neuron

nervous system cell that act as interconnected information processors; essential for all of the tasks of the nervous system

Semipermeable Membrane

membrane allows smaller molecules or molecules without an electrical charge to pass through the Soma (cell body) while stopping larger or highly charged molecules.

dendrites

branch-like extensions of the soma (cell body) that recieve signals from other neurons

axon

major extension of the soma (cell body)

myelin sheath

fatty substance that insulates (protects) axons

terminal buttons

axon terminal containing synaptic vesicles

synaptic vesicles

storage site for neurotransmitters

neurotransmitters

chemical messengers of the nervous system

receptors

protein on the cell surface where neurotransmitters attach

synapse

small gap between two neurons where communication occurs

membrane potential

difference in charge across the neuronal membrane

resting potential

stage of readiness of a neuron membrane’s potential between signals

threshold of excitation

level of charge in the membrane that causes the neuron to become active

action potential

electrical signal that moves down the neuron’s axon

all or none

phenomenon that incoming signal from another neuron is either sufficient or insufficient to reach the threshold of excitation

reuptake

neurotransmitters are pumped back into the neuron(s) that released it

biological perspective

views psychological disorders (i.e. depression/schizophrenia) are associated w/ imbalances in one or more neurotransmitter systems

psychotropic medications

treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring neurotransmitter balance

Antagonist

drug that blocks or impedes the normal activity of a given neurotransmitter

agonists

drug that mimics or strengthens the effects of a neurotransmitter

CNS

Central Nervous System

Central Nervous System

brain and spinal cord

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System

peripheral nervous system

connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, organs, and senses in the periphery of the body (split into two parts)

somatic nervous sysem

relays sensory and motor information to and from the CNS

autonomic nervous system

controls internal organs and glands (NOT AUTOMATIC!!!!)

parasympathetic nervous system

associated w/ routine, day to day operations of the body

sympathetic nervous system

works with stress related activities and functions

homeostasis (parasympathetic)

state of equillibrium: biological conditions are maintained at optimal levels (ex body temp)

fight or flight response (sympathetic)

activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, allowing access to energy reserves and heightened sensory capacity so that we might fight off a given threat or run away to safety

cerebral cortex

outer surface of the brain that is associated w/ our highest mental capabilities

gyri (singular: gyrus)

bumps or ridges on the cerebral cortex

sulci (singular: sulcus)

depressions or grooves in the cerebral cortex

longitudinal fissure

deep groove that seperates the brain into two halves/hemispheres

hemispheres

left or right side of the brain

lateralization

concept that each hemisphere of the brain is associated w specialized functions

corpus callosum

thick band of neural fibers connecting the brain’s two hemispheres

\~200 million axons

Forebrain

largest part of the brain - contains the cerebral cortex and other structures beneath it such as the subcortical structures like thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and limbic system

subcortical structures

thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and limbic system