Definitions

Heredity

The transmission of genetic information from biological parents to offspring.

Heritability

Helps us figure out how much of our traits come from our genes and how much comes from our environment.

Nature (Genes)

The inherent biological and genetic factors that influence an individual's psychological development, traits, behaviors, and cognitive abilities.

Nurture (Environment)

The environmental influences and experiences that shape an individual's psychological development, behaviors, and cognitive processes.

Genetic Predisposition

The inherited likelihood of developing specific traits or conditions due to genetic factors from biological parents.

Epigenetics

The study of how environments can influence genetic expression without changing the DNA.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The body's command center, responsible for processing information, coordinating responses, and regulating bodily functions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Serves as a communication network that transmits sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System

Division of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling voluntary movements and relaying sensory information.

Autonomic Nervous System

Division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, operating automatically.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Increases heart rate, dilates airways, and redirects blood flow to essential organs during stress.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Slows heart rate, constricts airways, and enhances digestion, promoting energy conservation and recovery.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the nervous system.

Glial Cells

Support cells of the nervous system, providing structural support, insulation, and nourishment to neurons.

Reflex Arc

Neural pathway that controls reflex actions, allowing for rapid automatic responses to stimuli.

Neural Transmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals.

Resting Potential

The stable, negative electrical charge existing across the cell membrane of a neuron at rest.

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Action Potential

Brief electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron.

All-or-Nothing Principle

States that once a neuron reaches its threshold, it will fire an action potential at full strength.

Depolarization

Phase of action potential where the inside of the neuron becomes less negative due to ion influx.

Refractory Period

Brief period following an action potential when a neuron cannot generate another action potential.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Chronic autoimmune disease affecting the CNS, where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath.