biological psych

Neuron

The basic building block of the nervous system.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons.

Dendrite

The part of a neuron that receives messages from other neurons.

Axon

The part of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

Myelin sheath

Fatty layer that insulates the axon, helping speed up neural impulses.

Receptor

Sites in the postsynaptic cell membrane to which the neurotransmitter binds.

CNS

The central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral nervous system, connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic NS

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic NS

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary movements.

Sympathetic NS

Part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic NS

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest and digest.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that form afferent pathways, sending messages to the CNS.

Motor neurons

Neurons that form efferent pathways, sending instructions from the CNS to muscles.

Afferent

Neurons that carry signals toward the CNS.

Efferent

Neurons that carry signals away from the CNS.

Brainstem

The oldest part of the brain, controlling basic life functions.

Medulla oblongata

Part of the brainstem that controls heart rate and breathing.

Thalamus

The control center of the brain that directs sensory information.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain responsible for balance, posture, coordination, and proprioception.

Limbic system

Group of structures regulating emotions, behavior, motivation, and memory.

Amygdala

Part of the limbic system responsible for emotional experiences, especially anger and fear.

Hippocampus

Part of the limbic system involved in storing and processing factual memories.

Cerebral cortex

Layer of interconnected neural cells enabling higher-order cognitive functions.

Frontal lobe

Part of the cerebral cortex responsible for attention, planning, and problem-solving.

Sensory Homunculus

Map of the body in the brain indicating the amount of brain area devoted to sensory processing from each body part.

Corpus callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers connecting the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Association areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex involved in higher-order mental functions like learning and thinking.

MRI

A magnet that temporarily disorients atoms to create images of soft tissue.

Natural Selection

The process where traits beneficial for survival are passed down through generations.

Sexual Selection

The process where traits that are attractive to others are passed down, even if they are not beneficial for survival.