Biopsychology: Approaches to Behavior, CNS/PNS, Neurons, and Neuroimaging

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes, with concise definitions.

Reductionistic approach

A method that explains complex behavior by breaking it down into simpler, more basic components.

Epigenetic models

Reductionist framework where gene expression is altered by environment; gene switches can turn genes on or off without changing the DNA sequence.

Genotype

An organism's genetic makeup; the body's blueprint or instruction manual.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an individual resulting from the genotype and environmental influences.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that carries genetic information.

Chromosomes

Structures containing genes; humans have 23 pairs (46 total).

Genes

Units of heredity on chromosomes that encode proteins and influence traits.

Genome (human genome project)

Complete set of an organism's genetic material; project mapped gene locations and revealed about 25,000 human genes.

Epigenetics

Field studying how gene expression is regulated by environmental factors without changing the DNA sequence.

Gene switches

Elements that turn genes on or off, influencing when genes are expressed.

Biopsychosocial model

Holistic approach stating biological, psychological, and social factors together determine health outcomes.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; the primary command center of the nervous system.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

All nerves outside the CNS; includes the somatic and autonomic divisions.

Neuron

Nerve cell; the basic unit of the nervous system that receives and transmits information.

Dendrite

Branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons.

Dendritic spine

Small protrusions on dendrites where synapses form and input is received.

Soma

Cell body of a neuron containing the nucleus and organelles.

Axon

Long fiber that transmits electrical impulses away from the neuron toward other neurons or muscles.

Synapse

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released to pass signals to the next neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine) that convey signals across synapses.

Endorphins

Endogenous opioids; the body's natural painkillers.

Excitatory neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire.

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire.

Resting potential

The baseline electrical charge of a neuron when it is not transmitting a signal.

Action potential

Electrical impulse that travels along the axon, enabling neuron-to-neuron communication; all-or-none.

Myelin

Fatty insulating sheath around some axons that speeds up signal transmission.

Glial cells

Support cells for neurons; provide insulation, protection, and metabolic support.

Interneuron

Neuron that connects other neurons within the CNS; abundant in the brain and spinal cord.

Mirror neurons

Neurons that simulate others' actions or feelings, contributing to empathy and social understanding.

Autonomic nervous system

subdivision of the PNS controlling involuntary functions; includes sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic system; prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses (e.g., increases heart rate).

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic system; promotes rest-and-digest activities to calm the body after stress.

Fight or flight

Rapid body response to threat via sympathetic activation to prepare for action.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that originate in the brain (12 pairs) and connect to various head and neck structures; noted as part of CNS connections.

Phrenology

Outdated pseudoscience that attempted to link skull shape to mental faculties.

Computed Tomography (CT scan)

Imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed structural images of the brain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging method using magnetic fields to produce high-resolution structural images of the brain, without ionizing radiation.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan

Imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting radioactive glucose metabolism.

Cyclotron

Particle accelerator used to produce radioactive tracers for PET imaging.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Imaging method that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, providing both structure and function.