biological concepts - ib sl psych

Flashcards defining key vocabulary terms from lecture notes in biological psychology.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A structural imaging technique that produces a 3-dimensional picture of the brain’s structures through the use of a magnetic field that aligns protons in the body.

Neuroplasticity

Environmental factors can shape gene expression, leading to a modification in one’s brain.

Phenotype

Refers to a set of observable traits in an organism, which can be changed.

Psychosocial genomics

Attempts to explain the formation of genetic expressions due to psychological, sociocultural, and personal experiences.

Neural Networks

Systems of interconnected neurons that are formed through repeated patterns of neural activation and synaptic transmission, as a result of neuroplasticity.

Long-term potentiation

Strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons through frequent communication.

Neural Pruning

The process by which extra, unused, or weak synaptic connections between neurons are eliminated in the brain, increasing the efficiency of neural networks.

Neurotransmitters

Electrochemical messengers released by neurons that cross the synapse to transmit signals.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that has roles in human behavior, such as mood regulation and sleep, and is typically inhibitory.

Synapse

The small gap between two neurons where communication occurs through the release of neurotransmitters.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

Makes the next neuron less likely to fire; an example is serotonin.

Agonist

Chemicals that enhance the action of a neurotransmitter.

Tryptophan

An amino acid and building block of the neurotransmitter serotonin; it is an agonist for serotonin.

Neuron

Nerve cells that send electrochemical messages through the brain, containing both excitatory and inhibitory types that release specific neurotransmitters.

Localization of Function

The idea that specific areas of the brain are responsible for certain behaviors.

Hormones

Chemicals released by specific glands in the body to regulate medium and long-term behavioral changes.

Adrenaline

A hormone produced in the adrenal glands; released during stress, causing increased heart rate, muscle tension, and dilated eyes.

Pheromones

Chemicals secreted outside of the body that may play a role in influencing behavior in other individuals.

Genes

Made up of DNA, which provides the blueprint for the structure and function of the human body and may include thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

MHC Genes

A group of genes that code for surface proteins that are crucial for the immune system’s ability to distinguish between the body’s cells and foreign invaders.

Genetic Similarity (Relatedness)

Refers to the degree to which individuals share genes on a scale of 0-1, helping researchers study how much genes influence behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology

A theoretical approach that assumes human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have been subjected to evolutionary pressures.

Sexual Selection

Better-adapted organisms have characteristics better for survival are more sexually attractive.