Lesson 1: Introduction to Biology in Psychology

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering core definitions, biological bases of behavior, levels of organization, and the scientific method from Lesson 1.

Biology

The scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and interactions with the environment (derived from the Greek words 'Bios' = life and 'Logos' = study).

Biological Psychology

The branch of psychology that examines how the brain, nervous system, hormones, genes, and other biological factors influence behavior and mental processes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A main division of the nervous system composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A main division of the nervous system composed of sensory nerves and motor nerves.

Dendrites

Specialized structures of a neuron that receive messages.

Cell Body

The part of a neuron that processes information.

Axon

The extended part of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body.

Axon Terminals

The end structures of a neuron that release neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that allow neurons to communicate across synapses.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter responsible for reward, motivation, and movement.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter key to learning and memory.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter that regulates alertness and attention.

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms neural activity.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter critical for learning and memory.

Endocrine System

A system of glands (such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and gonads) that produces hormones influencing behavior.

Cortisol

A hormone produced by the endocrine system that affects stress responses.

Oxytocin

A hormone produced by the endocrine system that promotes bonding and social attachment.

Testosterone

A hormone produced by the endocrine system that influences aggression and motivation.

Nature-Nurture Relationship

The interaction between genetic influences (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in shaping behavior.

Chemical Level

The simplest level of biological organization, comprising atoms, molecules, biomolecules, proteins, lipids, DNA, oxygen, carbon, and water.

Cellular Level

The level of biological organization centered on the smallest, basic unit of life (e.g., nerve cells, muscle cells, blood cells).

Tissue Level

The level of biological organization consisting of groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific job (e.g., epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous tissues).

Organ Level

The level of biological organization where different tissues are grouped together to perform a common function (e.g., brain, heart, lungs, liver).

Organ System Level

The level of biological organization consisting of multiple organs working together to manage major body processes (e.g., nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory systems).

Organism Level

The level of biological organization representing an individual living thing that carries out all basic life processes (e.g., human beings, dogs, birds).

Population Level

The level of ecological organization consisting of a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Community Level

The level of ecological organization comprising all the different populations of various species living and interacting in one place.

Ecosystem Level

The level of ecological organization consisting of biological communities interacting with their non-living environment (such as water and soil).

Biosphere Level

The highest level of ecological organization, encompassing all life on Earth and the environments where life exists.

Scientific Method

A systematic process characterized by objectivity, accuracy, reliability, and replication used to investigate questions, collect evidence, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions.

Independent Variable

The new factor in an experiment that is introduced and tested by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The measured result in an experiment that is influenced by changes in the independent variable.

Controlled Variables

Factors in an experiment kept constant so they do not influence the dependent variable.

Major Branches of Biology

Key subfields of biological science, including zoology, botany, cytology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, microbiology, endocrinology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.