Biological Basis of Behavior

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the biological basis of behavior.

Heredity vs Environment

Heredity (nature) refers to how genes influence behavior, while Environment (nurture) refers to how outside situations influence behavior.

Nature vs Nurture

The answer is both; studies show both genetic and environmental factors play roles in behavior.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The PNS includes all parts of the nervous system outside the CNS and relays information to and from it.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS responsible for voluntary movement, containing sensory and motor neurons.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that governs involuntary organs such as the heart and lungs.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A component of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A component of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Neuron

The basic cell of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals.

Dendrites

The part of the neuron that receives incoming neurotransmitters.

Axon

The part of the neuron that the action potential travels down.

Myelin Sheath

A protective layer that speeds up the action potential along the axon.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that receive signals from the environment and send them to the brain.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the brain to the muscles to initiate movement.

Interneurons

Neurons located in the spinal cord and brain responsible for reflex arcs.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that bypasses the brain allowing for immediate reactions.

Action Potential (AP)

An electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Resting Potential

The state of a neuron at -70mv charge when it is not actively transmitting a signal.

Depolarization

The process of the neuron's charge briefly switching from negative to positive.

Threshold of Depolarization

The point that must be reached for the action potential to occur.

All or Nothing Principle

The principle that if the threshold is reached, the action potential is always generated at full strength.

Refractory Period

The time after an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential.

Neurotransmitters (NT)

Chemicals released in the synaptic gap that transmit signals between neurons.

GABA

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Glutamate

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with reward, fine movement, and addiction.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, emotion, and sleep.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in memory and movement.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic nervous system; low levels are associated with depression.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that reduce pain perception.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter neurological function affecting behavior.

Depressants

Drugs that decrease nervous system activity, e.g., alcohol.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase nervous system activity, e.g., caffeine and cocaine.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that cause altered perceptions, e.g., marijuana.

Agonist

A drug that mimics a neurotransmitter's effect.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks a neurotransmitter's effect.

Frontal Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for decision making, planning, judgment, and movement.

Temporal Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for hearing, language, and facial recognition.

Parietal Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for processing sensations and touch.

Occipital Lobe

Region of the brain responsible for vision.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that coordinates movement, balance, and procedural memory.

Limbic System

Area of the brain involved in emotion and memory.

Amygdala

Part of the limbic system associated with emotions and fear.

Hippocampus

Part of the limbic system involved in forming new memories.

Hypothalamus

Part of the limbic system that regulates reward, pleasure, and homeostasis.

Thalamus

A relay center in the brain for sensory information, excluding smell.