Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behaviour

Nature vs Nurture

The debate regarding the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human behavior and development.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental influences can affect gene expression.

Identical Twins

Twins that come from a single fertilized egg that splits into two; they have identical genetic material.

Fraternal Twins

Twins that come from two separate fertilized eggs; they share about 50% of their DNA.

Heritability

The degree to which genetic factors explain variation in a trait within a population.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons and process information within the central nervous system.

Resting Potential

The state of a neuron when it is not firing, typically around -70 millivolts.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Agonist

A substance that mimics or enhances the action of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.

Broca's Area

A region in the left frontal lobe responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the left temporal lobe responsible for language comprehension.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for complex mental processes.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Circadian Rhythm

The body's internal clock that regulates sleep/wake cycles approximately every 24 hours.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, high brain activity, and vivid dreams.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Olfactory System

The sensory system responsible for the sense of smell, which bypasses the thalamus.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter mental states and affect neurotransmitter systems.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse between neurons.

Neural Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A psychotherapeutic approach aimed at modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.

Proprioception

The sense that helps us perceive the position and movement of our body parts.

Somatosensory Cortex

Area of the brain responsible for processing tactile sensations.

Sensation

The process of detecting and interpreting environmental stimuli through the sensory organs.

Glutamate

The major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in movement, learning, and memory; associated with Alzheimer's when deficient.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement, and attention; deficiencies linked to Parkinson's disease.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation; deficiencies associated with depression.

Cognitive Processing

The mental activities involved in acquiring, processing, and storing information.

Temperament

An individual's natural predisposition to react emotionally.

Memory Consolidation

The process by which new memories are stabilized and stored in long-term memory.

Visual Acuity

The sharpness of vision, determined by the ability to discern fine detail.

Sound Localization

The ability to identify the location of a sound based on auditory cues.

Anxiety Disorders

Mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear or worry.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.

Alzheimer's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.