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Biological Psychology
The study of how biology influences behavior.
Neuron
specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle cells, or gland cells, primary through electrical and chemical signal
Dendrites
receive incoming message from other neurons
Axon
sending information to the next neurons
Myelin
Fatty coating that speeds up nerve signals.
Action Potential
The electrical signal traveling down an axon.
Refractory Period
A short rest period after a neuron fires.
Resting Potential
The neuron's stable, inactive state.
Depolarize
When a neuron becomes active.
Threshold
The level needed to trigger a neural impulse.
All-or-None Response
A neuron either fires or doesn’t.
Synapse
The gap between neurons where messages pass.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that send signals between neurons.
Reuptake
The reabsorption of neurotransmitters.
Synaptic Gap
The tiny space between neurons.
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter for muscle movement and memory.
Dopamine
Influences movement, emotion, and pleasure.
Serotonin
Regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
Norepinephrine
Helps with alertness and arousal.
Glutamate
A major excitatory neurotransmitter.
Endorphins
Natural painkillers that boost pleasure.
Agonist
A substance that mimics a neurotransmitter.
Antagonist
A substance that blocks neurotransmitters.
Nervous System
The body's communication network.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
contain the brain and the spinal cord. Access to the command center processing income sensory data and coordinating response.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
includes all the nerve endings that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and extend throughout the body (organs, arms, legs).
Nerves
Bundles of axons that transmit signals.
Sensory Neurons
Carry signals to the brain.
Motor Neurons
Carry signals from the brain to muscles.
Interneurons
responsible for sending messages through out the nervous system
Somatic Nervous System
Help the body relax when the threat is gone
Autonomic Nervous System
controls involuntary bodily functions (heartbeat, breathing).
Sympathetic Nervous System
Activates fight-or-flight response.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Help the body relax when the threat is gone.
Reflex
Automatic response to stimuli.
Endocrine System
Glands that release hormones.
Hormones
Chemical messengers in the blood.
Adrenal Glands
Release stress hormones.
Pituitary Gland
A small, pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It is known as the "master gland" because it produces and secretes hormones that control other endocrine glands throughout the body.
Lesion
Brain tissue damage.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Measures brain waves.
CT Scan
X-ray images of the brain.
PET Scan
Shows brain activity using glucose.
MRI
Detailed brain images using magnets.
fMRI
Shows brain function and structure.
Brainstem
Controls basic survival functions.
Medulla
Regulates heartbeat and breathing.
Thalamus
The forebrain’s sensory control center, located on top of the brainstem, it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the
Reticular Formation
Controls alertness
Cerebellum
Coordinates movement and balance.
Limbic System
controls emotions and drives.
Amygdala
Processes emotions like fear.
Hypothalamus
Regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
Cerebral Cortex
The outer layer of the brain.
Left Hemisphere
Controls language and logic.
Right Hemisphere
Controls creativity and spatial skills.
Glial Cells
Support and protect neurons.
Frontal Lobes
Control thinking and movement.
Parietal Lobes
Process touch and spatial information.
Temporal Lobes
Process sound and memory.
Motor Cortex
Controls voluntary movement.
Somatosensory Cortex
Processes touch and pain.
Association Areas
Involved in thinking and memory.
Plasticity
The brain’s ability to adapt
Corpus Callosum
Connects brain hemispheres.
Split Brain
When the corpus callosum is severed.
Consciousness
Awareness of self and surroundings.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Study of brain function and thinking.
Behavior Genetics
Studies how genes affect behavior.
Environment
External influences on development.
Chromosomes
DNA-containing structures.
DNA
The genetic blueprint of life.
Genes
Units of heredity.
Genome
The complete set of genes.
Identical Twins
Twins from one fertilized egg.
Fraternal Twins
Twins from two separate eggs.
Molecular Genetics
The study of specific genes.
Heritability
How much genes influence traits.
Interaction
How genes and environment work together.
Epigenetics
How environment affects gene expression.
Evolutionary Psychology
Study of behavior through evolution.
Natural Selection
Survival of the fittest traits.
Mutation
A random genetic change.
Circadian Rhythm
The body’s 24-hour cycle.
REM Sleep
Deep sleep with vivid dreams.
Alpha Waves
Relaxed, awake brain waves.
Sleep
Resting state of the body and mind.
Hallucinations
False sensory experiences.
Delta Waves
Slow waves in deep sleep.
NREM Sleep
Non-dream sleep stages.
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Controls the sleep cycle.
Insomnia
Trouble falling or staying asleep.
Narcolepsy
Sudden sleep attacks.
Sleep Apnea
Breathing stops during sleep.
Night Terrors
Extreme fear while sleeping.
Manifest Content
The remembered dream storyline.
Latent Content
The hidden meaning of dreams.
REM Rebound
More REM sleep after deprivation.
Substance Use Disorder
Addiction to drugs.
Psychoactive Drug
Alters mood and perception.
