Biological Bases of Behavior

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the biological bases of behavior in psychology.

Psychology

The study of the mind and behavior.

Nature

The innate characteristics of an individual, presumably genetically determined.

Environment

The combination of physical, biological, social, and cultural conditions that influence our behavior and functioning.

Heredity

The genetic transmission of traits from parents to their offspring.

Natural Selection

Certain behaviors and genes best for survival, often referred to as 'survival of the fittest'.

Behavior Genetics

Focuses on discovering how genes and experiences interact and lead to specific behaviors and mental abilities.

Mutation

A permanent change in the genetic material of an organism.

Genome

The entirety of an individual’s hereditary information.

Eugenics

A theory that seeks to eradicate genetic defects and improve the genetic makeup of populations through selective breeding.

Identical Twins

Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg, creating two genetically identical organisms.

Fraternal Twins

Twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs, genetically no closer than siblings.

Epigenetics

How an individual’s behavior and environment can affect their genes.

Nervous System

The body's electrochemical communications network.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, which distribute and process messages.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The branch of the nervous system that includes all components except the brain and spinal cord.

Autonomic Nervous System

A part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates bodily processes such as breathing and heart rate.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action, often referred to as 'fight or flight'.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the autonomic nervous system that restores the body's energy after it has been depleted, known as 'rest and digest'.

Neurons

Individual nerve cells that make up our entire nervous system.

Synapse

The space between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons.

Action Potential

An impulse or brief electric charge that travels down the axon.

Threshold

The level of stimulation needed to trigger a neural impulse.

Endocrine System

The glands and organs that make hormones and release them into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Substances secreted into the bloodstream by the endocrine system that play a role in our everyday functioning.

Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs that have significant effects on psychological processes.

Agonists

Chemicals that activate receptors for certain neurotransmitters, enhancing their effect.

Antagonists

Chemicals that inhibit the actions of neurotransmitters.

Brainstem

The oldest part of the brain that controls automatic survival functions.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for processing sensory input and coordinating movement.

Limbic System

A neural system associated with emotions and drives.

Hippocampus

A structure vital to our memory system.

Amygdala

The center of emotion responsible for fear and aggression.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of tissue of the cerebral hemispheres responsible for higher brain functions.

Frontal Lobe

A part of the cerebral cortex involved in speaking, muscle movements, and executive functions.

Rem Sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement and vivid dreaming.

Circadian Rhythm

The biological clock that regulates bodily rhythms.

Sleep Disorders

Conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, such as insomnia and sleep apnea.

Sensation

The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment.

Pheromones

Chemical signals released by organisms to communicate with others of their species.

Kinesthesia

The system for sensing the position and movement of body parts.

Pain Gate Control Theory

The theory that the spinal cord contains a 'gate' that blocks or allows pain signals to pass to the brain.