Biological Basis of the Mind

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the biological basis of the mind, including neuronal structure, function, neurotransmitters, and nervous and endocrine system divisions, from the lecture notes.

Biopsychology

The study of the biological basis of psychological processes, often referred to as the golden age of brain science.

Neurons

Basic building blocks of the nervous system, including the brain, forming a vast communication system.

Dendrites

Receive messages and send them toward the cell nucleus.

Axon

An extension of a neuron that conducts messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty cells protecting axon fibers, increasing the speed of messages.

Action Potential

An electrical impulse that travels down an axon; an 'all or none' firing event.

Excitation Threshold

The signal level from other nerves required to trigger an action potential in a cell.

All or None Principle

Describes action potentials, meaning a neuron either fires completely or not at all, with the strength of the electrical current remaining the same.

Intensity of Neural Reaction

Determined by the number of cells firing in a region and the frequency of firing of any given cell.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by action potentials that facilitate neural communication across synapses.

Synapses

The junctions or gaps between neurons where communication occurs via neurotransmitters.

Synaptic Gap

The small space between neurons where synapses happen and neurotransmitters are released.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the axon terminal after they have done their job.

Endorphins

Natural opiates produced by the body during sex, exercise, and pain, also known as 'endogenous morphine'.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter linked to mood, and depression when there isn't enough.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter linked to emotions, motivation, and the reward system.

Epinephrine

A neurotransmitter also known as adrenaline, which controls arousal and alertness.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter similar to epinephrine, controlling arousal and alertness.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

Interneurons

Relay stations between sensory and motor neurons.

Sensory Neurons

Send sensory information to the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons

Send information to muscles to cause movement.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of nerves throughout the rest of the body, divided into the somatic and autonomic systems.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS responsible for voluntary muscular movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS responsible for involuntary movements like heart beat, respiration, digestion, and organ activity.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for arousal ('fight or flight') effects.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for calming ('rest and digest') effects.

Reflexes

Automatic responses to sensory stimuli that bypass the brain, with sensory information going directly to the spinal cord then to motor neurons.

Endocrine System

Works with neural systems and the brain by delivering hormones through the blood, causing physiological change.

Hormones

Chemical messengers delivered via the blood, working slower and having slower dissipation than neurotransmitters, though some are chemically identical.

Testosterone

A hormone related to aggression and dominance, found in higher amounts in men but also in women.

Oxytocin

The 'social bonding hormone' that increases trust in others.

Cortisol

A stress hormone whose levels in saliva or hair can indicate stress.