Biopsychology & Brain Function Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the biopsychology lecture, including genetics, neural function, neurotransmitters, brain anatomy, nervous system divisions, imaging techniques, and the endocrine system.

Biopsychology

Field that examines the biological mechanisms underlying behavior.

Genetics

Study of heredity and the influence of genes on traits and behavior.

Nervous system

Network of nerve cells that coordinates actions and transmits signals between body parts.

Endocrine system

Series of glands that secrete hormones to regulate body functions.

PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

Imaging technique that tracks radioactive tracers to show brain activity.

CT scan (Computed Tomography)

X-ray–based imaging method producing cross-sectional brain pictures.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI that measures metabolic changes to reveal brain activity over time.

Human genetics

Branch of genetics focused on inheritance patterns and genetic influences on humans.

Theory of evolution

Darwin’s idea that species change over generations through natural selection.

Natural selection

Process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

Sickle cell anemia

Genetic disorder causing crescent-shaped red blood cells; carriers gain malaria resistance.

Genetic variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals of a species.

Chromosome

Long DNA strand containing genetic information.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

Helix-shaped molecule holding genetic code via nucleotide base pairs.

Gene

DNA sequence controlling a specific trait.

Allele

Alternative version of a gene.

Genotype

Individual’s genetic makeup inherited from parents.

Phenotype

Observable physical or behavioral characteristics of an individual.

Dominant allele

Allele whose trait is expressed when at least one copy is present.

Recessive allele

Allele expressed only when two copies are inherited.

Polygenic trait

Characteristic controlled by multiple genes.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene (e.g., Aa).

Homozygous

Having identical alleles for a gene (AA or aa).

Punnett square

Grid used to predict genetic outcomes in offspring.

Mutation

Sudden, permanent change in a gene’s DNA sequence.

Range of reaction

Idea that genes set limits and environment determines where within them a trait falls.

Genetic environmental correlation

Concept that genes influence environment and environment affects gene expression.

Epigenetics

Study of how the same genotype can lead to different phenotypes via environmental effects.

Neuron

Basic cell of the nervous system specialized for communication.

Dendrite

Neuron branch that receives incoming signals.

Axon

Long neuron fiber that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Myelin sheath

Fatty coating on axons that speeds signal transmission.

Terminal button

End of an axon containing neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles.

Synapse

Microscopic gap between neurons where communication occurs.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses.

Resting potential

Neuron’s stable negative charge when inactive (about −70 mV).

Depolarization

Membrane becomes less negative, increasing likelihood of firing.

Hyperpolarization

Membrane becomes more negative, decreasing likelihood of firing.

Threshold of excitation

Membrane charge level required to trigger an action potential.

Action potential

Brief electrical impulse traveling down an axon.

All-or-none principle

Neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Reuptake

Reabsorption of neurotransmitters back into the releasing neuron’s terminal.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle action and memory.

Beta-endorphin

Neurotransmitter linked to pain relief and pleasure.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter affecting mood, sleep, and learning.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter influencing alertness and autonomic activity.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter regulating mood and sleep.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter reducing neural activity.

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter important for learning and memory.

Psychotropic medication

Drug that treats psychiatric symptoms by altering neurotransmitter balance.

Agonist

Substance that mimics or enhances a neurotransmitter’s effects.

Antagonist

Substance that blocks or diminishes a neurotransmitter’s effects.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord responsible for integrating information.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS connecting it to the body.

Somatic nervous system

PNS division transmitting sensory and motor information voluntarily.

Autonomic nervous system

PNS division controlling glands and internal organs involuntarily.

Sympathetic nervous system

Autonomic branch initiating fight-or-flight responses.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Autonomic branch promoting rest-and-digest functions.

Homeostasis

Body’s tendency to maintain internal equilibrium.

Brain stem

Collective term for medulla, pons, and midbrain structures controlling vital functions.

Lateralization

Specialization of functions in each cerebral hemisphere.

Corpus callosum

Thick nerve fiber bundle connecting the brain’s hemispheres.

Cerebral cortex

Brain’s outer layer responsible for higher mental processes.

Frontal lobe

Cortex region for planning, reasoning, motor control, and language.

Motor cortex

Frontal lobe strip coordinating voluntary movement.

Prefrontal cortex

Frontal area involved in executive functions and decision-making.

Broca’s area

Left frontal region crucial for speech production.

Parietal lobe

Region processing sensory information about touch, temperature, pain.

Somatosensory cortex

Parietal strip mapping body sensations.

Temporal lobe

Region associated with hearing, memory, and emotion.

Auditory cortex

Temporal area that processes sound information.

Wernicke’s area

Temporal region essential for language comprehension.

Occipital lobe

Primary visual processing center of the brain.

Thalamus

Forebrain structure that relays sensory information (except smell).

Limbic system

Group of structures mediating emotion and memory.

Amygdala

Limbic structure assigning emotional meaning, especially fear.

Hippocampus

Limbic structure vital for learning and forming memories.

Hypothalamus

Homeostasis-regulating structure controlling the pituitary gland.

Reticular formation

Midbrain network regulating sleep, arousal, and motor activity.

Substantia nigra

Midbrain area producing dopamine; involved in movement control.

Ventral tegmental area (VTA)

Midbrain dopamine source associated with reward and addiction.

Medulla

Hindbrain structure controlling breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure.

Pons

Hindbrain bridge linking brain and spinal cord; involved in sleep.

Cerebellum

Hindbrain region coordinating balance, movement, and motor learning.

Brain imaging

Technologies that visualize brain structure or function, e.g., CT, PET, MRI.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

Technique measuring electrical brain activity via scalp electrodes.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Imaging method using magnetic fields to create detailed brain pictures.

Endocrine gland

Organ that releases hormones into the bloodstream.

Pituitary gland

“Master” endocrine gland controlling other glands’ secretions.

Thyroid gland

Gland secreting thyroxine to regulate metabolism and growth.

Adrenal gland

Endocrine gland producing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Gonad

Sex gland (ovary or testis) releasing sex hormones.

Pancreas

Gland producing insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.