Biopsychology — Video Notes (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering Biopsychology concepts from neural biology to sleep, endocrinology, evolution, and disorders.

Biopsychology

The scientific study of the biology of behavior; analyzes how the brain and neurotransmitters influence thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the structure of the nervous system.

Neurochemistry

The study of the chemical bases of neural activity.

Neuroendocrinology

The study of interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system.

Neuropathology

The study of nervous system disorders.

Neuropharmacology

The study of the effects of drugs on neural activity.

Neurophysiology

The study of the functions and activities of the nervous system.

Hebb’s Theory

Neural pathways strengthen with repeated activation; basis for learning and memory (Hebbian learning).

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to activity.

Cell Assembly Theory

Hebb’s idea that networks of neurons form assemblies through repeated activation, underlying memory.

Biopsychological Research

Research on both humans and nonhuman animals to understand brain–behavior relationships.

Nonhuman Subjects in Biopsychology

Mice and rats are common; cats, dogs, and nonhuman primates also used.

Advantages of Nonhuman Animals

Simpler brains can reveal fundamental brain–behavior interactions; comparative insights clarify cortical function.

Six Major Divisions of Biopsychology

(1) Physiological psychology, (2) Psychopharmacology, (3) Neuropsychology, (4) Psychophysiology, (5) Cognitive neuroscience, (6) Comparative psychology.

Physiological Psychology

Study of biological mechanisms underlying behavior via direct brain manipulation/recording.

Psychopharmacology

Study of how psychoactive substances affect behavior and cognition through neurotransmitter systems.

Neuropsychology

Study of psychological effects of brain damage in humans (case studies/quasi-experimental).

Psychophysiology

Study of the relationship between physiological activity and psychological processes in humans.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Study of neural bases of cognition (thought, memory, attention) and higher-order processes.

Comparative Psychology

Examines behavior across species to understand evolutionary and biological bases of behavior.

Neuron

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system; transmits electrical and chemical signals.

Glia

Support cells that provide nutrients, structural support, and assist in neural communication.

Nucleus (of a neuron)

Contains genetic material (DNA) and controls the cell’s activities.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance containing organelles (mitochondria, ribosomes).

Soma (Cell Body)

Integrates incoming signals and generates outgoing signals to the axon.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions that receive signals and contain receptors for neurotransmitters.

Axon

Long projection that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty layer around the axon that speeds signal transmission.

Axon Terminals

Endings of the axon releasing neurotransmitters into the synapse.

Synapse

The gap between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes where neurotransmitters act.

Presynaptic Membrane

Membrane of the axon terminal that releases neurotransmitters.

Postsynaptic Membrane

Membrane of the receiving neuron that contains receptors.

Synaptic Cleft

The gap across which neurotransmitters travel.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical that relays signals across synapses between neurons.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and memory; undersupply linked to Alzheimer's.

Dopamine (DA)

Neurotransmitter involved in movement, motivation, and reward; implicated in Parkinson’s and schizophrenia.

Endorphins

Endogenous opioids that act as natural pain relievers.

GABA

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter; reduces neuronal excitability.

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in most brain synapses.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite, sleep; target of SSRIs.

Agonist

Drug or molecule that mimics a neurotransmitter or increases its activity.

Antagonist

Drug or molecule that blocks a neurotransmitter’s effects.

Levodopa (L-DOPA)

Precursor used to increase dopamine in Parkinson’s disease.

Naloxone

Opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB)

Selective barrier that protects the brain by restricting passage of many substances from blood.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; processes and coordinates information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS; connects CNS to body.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS; controls voluntary movement and sensory information from the body.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the PNS; regulates involuntary functions; subdivides into sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Sympathetic Nervous System

prepares body for action (fight-or-flight).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Returns body to resting state after arousal.

Hindbrain

Lower brain region (medulla, pons, cerebellum) coordinating basic life functions.

Midbrain (Mesencephalon)

Part of brainstem; includes tectum and tegmentum; sensory integration and motor coordination.

Forebrain

Largest brain region; includes telencephalon and diencephalon; higher cognitive functions.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum; responsible for perception, thought, and language.

Contralateral Control

Each hemisphere controls opposite side of the body.

Corpus Callosum

Thick bundle of fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.

Broca’s Area

Language production area in the dominant hemisphere; damage causes expressive aphasia.

Wernicke’s Area

Language comprehension area in the dominant hemisphere; damage causes receptive aphasia.

Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

Occipital (visual), Parietal (touch), Temporal (hearing/language), Frontal (movement, planning, decision-making).

Basal Ganglia

Subcortical structures involved in motor control and habit formation.

Limbic System

Emotion and memory network including hippocampus, amygdala, and cingulate gyrus.

Hippocampus

Critical for forming new memories and integrating them into long-term storage.

Amygdala

Emotion processing and emotional memory; influences social behavior.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Involved in emotion processing, pain, and attention; linked to empathy and regulation.

Thalamus

Relay station that processes and transmits sensory information to cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, sexual behavior; drives pituitary hormone release.

Pituitary Gland

Master gland that releases tropic hormones regulating other glands; linked to hypothalamus.

Telencephalon

Forebrain subdivision forming the cerebral hemispheres and cortex.

Diencephalon

Forebrain subdivision including the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Cortex Organization (Left/Right, Four Lobes)

Two hemispheres with contralateral control; four lobes process different functions.

Lateralization

Functional differences between the brain’s hemispheres; language often left-dominant.

Genetics

Study of heredity and variation in organisms.

Gene

Basic unit of heredity made of DNA; located on chromosomes.

Chromosome

Structure containing DNA; humans have 23 pairs.

Allele

Different forms of a gene (e.g., B or b for eye color).

Genotype

An organism’s genetic makeup; symbolized by alleles (BB, Bb, bb).

Phenotype

Observable traits produced by genotype and environment.

Homozygous

Two identical alleles for a gene (e.g., BB or bb).

Heterozygous

Two different alleles for a gene (e.g., Bb).

Mendelian Genetics

Inheritance patterns described by Mendel: dominant and recessive traits.

Dominant Trait

Trait that appears in first generation when present.

Recessive Trait

Trait that appears only when two recessive alleles are present.

Sex Chromosomes

X and Y chromosomes; determine sex; X-linked traits often more common in males.

X-Linked Traits

Genes on the X chromosome; often more frequent in males for recessive traits.

Nondisjunction

Chromosomes fail to separate properly during meiosis, causing abnormalities.

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Extra chromosome 21; causes developmental delays and distinct features.

Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)

Extra chromosome 18; severe developmental issues; many do not survive.

Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)

Extra chromosome 13; severe birth defects and developmental issues.

Turner Syndrome

X0; females with a missing or incomplete X chromosome; short stature, developmental issues.

Klinefelter Syndrome

47,XXY; males with an extra X chromosome; often infertile.

Fragile X Syndrome

X-linked disorder causing developmental delays and cognitive issues.

Mendelian Genetics: Genotype vs Phenotype

Genotype: genetic makeup; Phenotype: observable traits."

Mutation and Genetic Variation

Genetic changes that contribute to diversity and evolutionary potential.

Evolution

Change in heritable traits of a population over generations through natural selection.

Natural Selection

Differential survival and reproduction leading to adaptation.

Fitness

An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Biogeographical Evidence

Geographic distribution of species supporting evolution.

Fossil Evidence

Fossil record showing gradual change over time.

Morphological Evidence

Similarities in anatomical structures indicating common ancestry.