Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior

What is physiological psychology?

Physiological psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the relationship between physiological processes and behavior.

What are traits in psychology?

Traits are characteristics or qualities that are stable and enduring aspects of personality.

What is the evolutionary perspective in psychology?

The evolutionary perspective examines psychological traits such as memory, perception, and language as adaptations to environmental challenges.

What is heritability?

Heritability is a measure of how much of a trait's variation can be attributed to genetic factors.

What does environmentality refer to?

Environmentality refers to the impact of environmental factors on an individual's traits and behaviors.

What is the nature versus nurture debate?

The nature versus nurture debate discusses the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human development.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental and physical challenges.

What is Huntington's chorea?

Huntington's chorea is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms due to degeneration of brain cells.

What is the nervous system?

The nervous system is a complex network of neurons that coordinates the actions and reactions of an organism by transmitting signals between different parts of the body.

What comprises the central nervous system (CNS)?

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.

What comprises the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves outside the central nervous system that connect the CNS to the limbs and organs.

What are neurons?

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.

What are sensory neurons?

Sensory neurons carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

What are motor neurons?

Motor neurons transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

What are reflexes?

Reflexes are automatic responses to stimuli that occur without direct involvement of the brain.

What are interneurons?

Interneurons are neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

What is the somatic nervous system?

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and relays sensory information to the CNS.

What is the autonomic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat and digestion.

What is the sympathetic nervous system?

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stressful situations.

What is the parasympathetic nervous system?

The parasympathetic nervous system calms the body and conserves energy by promoting 'rest and digest' functions.

What are nerves?

Nerves are bundles of axons that transmit signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

What is the soma of a neuron?

The soma is the cell body of a neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles.

What are dendrites?

Dendrites are branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

What is an axon?

An axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the soma.

What is the myelin sheath?

The myelin sheath is a protective covering that surrounds axons and speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.

What are the nodes of Ranvier?

Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate rapid signal transmission along the axon.

What are terminal buttons?

Terminal buttons are the ends of axons that release neurotransmitters into the synapse.

What is a synapse?

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where information is transmitted from one to the other.

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

What are glial cells?

Glial cells are supportive cells in the nervous system that assist, protect, and nourish neurons.

What is resting membrane potential?

Resting membrane potential is the electrical charge difference across a neuron’s membrane when it is not actively transmitting a signal.

What is a nerve impulse?

A nerve impulse, or action potential, is a temporary reversal of the electrical charge of a neuron's membrane, allowing signals to be transmitted.

What is an excitatory neurotransmitter?

An excitatory neurotransmitter is a substance that increases the likelihood of an action potential in a neuron.

What is an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

An inhibitory neurotransmitter decreases the likelihood of an action potential in a neuron.

What is acetylcholine?

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, learning, and memory.

What is serotonin?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

What is dopamine?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward.

What is GABA?

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to regulate neuronal excitability.

What is glutamate?

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a key role in learning and memory.

What is norepinephrine?

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter involved in arousal, alertness, and the fight-or-flight response.

What are endorphins?

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and are associated with feelings of pleasure.

What is substance P?

Substance P is a neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of pain signals.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various functions in the body.

What is the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is the 'master gland' that controls other endocrine glands and regulates hormone production.

What is adrenocorticotropic hormone?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol.

What are adrenal glands?

Adrenal glands are endocrine glands that produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

What is epinephrine?

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a hormone and neurotransmitter that increases heart rate and energy during stress.

What is leptin?

Leptin is a hormone that helps to regulate energy balance and suppress appetite.

What is ghrelin?

Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates appetite and promotes fat storage.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

What is oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a role in social bonding, reproductive behaviors, and childbirth.

What is an agonist in pharmacology?

An agonist is a substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

What is an antagonist in pharmacology?

An antagonist is a substance that blocks or dampens a biological response by binding to a receptor.

What is drug dependence?

Drug dependence is a condition characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences.

What is tolerance?

Tolerance is a reduced response to a drug after repeated use, resulting in the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect.

What is withdrawal?

Withdrawal is the physical and mental symptoms that occur after discontinuing or reducing intake of a substance.

What constitutes the hindbrain?

The hindbrain contains structures such as the cerebellum, brainstem, and medulla oblongata that control basic life functions.

What is the cerebellum responsible for?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning.

What does the brainstem do?

The brainstem controls involuntary functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.

What is the medulla oblongata?

The medulla oblongata regulates vital functions like heartbeat and breathing.

What is the reticular activating system?

The reticular activating system is a network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness and arousal.

What is the brain's reward system?

The brain's reward system is a group of structures that are activated by rewarding stimuli, leading to feelings of pleasure.

What is the pons?

The pons is a structure in the brainstem that connects different parts of the brain and is involved in regulating respiration.

What is the forebrain?

The forebrain is the largest part of the brain and includes structures such as the thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system.

What is the limbic system?

The limbic system is a set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

What is the thalamus?

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

What is the hippocampus?

The hippocampus is essential for learning and memory formation.

What is anterograde amnesia?

Anterograde amnesia is the inability to form new memories after a brain injury.

What is the amygdala?

The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

What is the lateral hypothalamus?

The lateral hypothalamus is involved in regulating hunger and arousal.

What is the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus controls various homeostatic processes, including temperature regulation and hormone release.

What is the ventromedial hypothalamus?

The ventromedial hypothalamus is involved in regulating satiety and energy balance.

What is the cerebral cortex?

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions, including thought and action.

What is the sensory cortex?

The sensory cortex processes sensory information from the body.

What is the motor cortex?

The motor cortex is responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.

What are the left and right cerebral hemispheres?

The left and right cerebral hemispheres are the two halves of the brain that control different functions and behavior.

What is the corpus callosum?

The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitates communication between them.

What is expressive aphasia?

Expressive aphasia is a language disorder characterized by difficulty in producing speech.

What is receptive aphasia?

Receptive aphasia is a language disorder characterized by difficulty in understanding spoken or written language.

What are split-brain patients?

Split-brain patients have had the corpus callosum severed to treat severe epilepsy, leading to unique cognitive phenomena.

What is contralateral processing?

Contralateral processing refers to how each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.

What are the components of the cortex?

The cortex contains sensory, motor, and association areas that process various types of information.

What is the frontal lobe responsible for?

The frontal lobe is responsible for higher cognitive functions, decision-making, and voluntary motor activity.

What is the parietal lobe responsible for?

The parietal lobe processes sensory input from the body and is involved in spatial awareness.

What is the temporal lobe responsible for?

The temporal lobe is involved in processing auditory information and memory.

What is the occipital lobe responsible for?

The occipital lobe processes visual information.

What is the optic chiasm?

The optic chiasm is where optic nerves cross, allowing visual information from both eyes to be processed by both hemispheres.

What are association areas?

Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that integrate sensory and motor information.

What is apraxia?

Apraxia is the inability to perform purposeful movements despite having the physical capability.

What is agnosia?

Agnosia is the inability to interpret sensory information, leading to difficulties in recognizing objects.

What is alexia?

Alexia is a reading disorder caused by brain damage.

What is agraphia?

Agraphia is a writing disorder characterized by difficulty in writing.

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

What is EEG?

EEG (electroencephalography) is a technique used to record electrical activity of the brain.

What is CAT?

CAT (computed axial tomography) is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

What is MRI?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.

What is fMRI?

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

What is PET?

PET (positron emission tomography) is an imaging technique that shows the metabolic activity of tissues.

What is the state of consciousness?

The state of consciousness refers to the awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

What is alertness?

Alertness is the state of being awake and attentive.