Biological Bases of Behavior-2

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to psychology, particularly in sensation and consciousness.

Trichromatic Theory

A hypothesis that suggests there are three types of cones in the retina that detect blue, red, and green light, combining to produce all visible colors.

Opponent Process Theory

A theory stating that color perception is controlled by opposing retinal processes, such as red-green, yellow-blue, and black-white.

Insomnia

The most common sleep disorder characterized by persistent problems with falling asleep or staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder marked by sudden uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep extreme daytime sleepiness.

Sleep Apnea

A serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Dreams

Storylike images or series of images that we experience during sleep, particularly in the REM stage.

Activation-Synthesis Theory

A theory proposing that dreams are the brain’s interpretations of raw physiological activity occurring during REM sleep.

Information-Processing Theory

The theory suggesting that dreams are used to process and consolidate experiences and information from the day.

Dreams

A series of storylike images experienced as we sleep.

Pinna

The outer ear structure that collects sound waves.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the ear that plays a key role in the process of hearing.

Place Theory

The theory suggesting that different frequencies of sound waves stimulate different places along the cochlea.

Frequency Theory

The theory that pitch is perceived based on the rate of neuron firing in the auditory system.

Resting Potential

The state of the neuron when it is not firing, characterized by a negative electrical potential.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates appetite and is often referred to as the 'hunger hormone.'

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that are associated with pain relief and pleasure.

Somnambulism

Also known as sleepwalking, it is a sleep disorder characterized by walking or performing other complex behaviors while in a state of sleep.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, a sleep stage where most dreaming occurs and the brain is very active.

Circadian Rhythm

The body’s natural 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep and wakefulness.

Synesthesia

A condition in which stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic experiences in a second sensory pathway.

Prosopagnosia

A neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize faces.