🤓Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior

Broca's Area

A region in the left frontal lobe associated with loss of ability to speak, known as expressive aphasia.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the left temporal lobe involved in understanding language; destruction results in receptive aphasia.

Lesions

Precise destruction of brain tissue enabling study of loss of function due to surgical removal or destruction.

Split-brain

Condition resulting from surgical separation of the hemispheres of the brain, showing lateralization of functions.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT)

An imaging technique using X-rays to create two-dimensional slices of the brain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A method to record brain activity using electrodes on the scalp that reflect electrical signals.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

An imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements by stimulating skeletal muscle.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Subdivided part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Subdivided part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and restores digestive processes.

Neuron

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals stored in synaptic vesicles that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Reflex Arc

The pathway that a reflex impulse follows from sensory neuron to motor neuron via interneurons.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Heritability

The proportion of variation among individuals in a population that is due to genetic causes.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, determining specific traits.

Phenotype

The expression and observable traits of an individual resulting from the interaction of genotype with the environment.

Circadian Rhythm

The natural internal process regulating the sleep-wake cycle, repeating roughly every 24 hours.

Manifest Content

The remembered storyline of a dream, according to Freud's dream analysis.

Latent Content

The underlying meaning of a dream, containing hidden desires and thoughts.

Activation-Synthesis Theory

The theory proposing that dreams result from the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity.

Hypnosis

An altered state of consciousness with deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility.

Meditation

Techniques used to focus concentration and achieve a state of calmness and tranquility.

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemicals that alter perception, thinking, behavior, and mood by affecting the brain.

Tolerance

The decreasing responsiveness to a drug after repeated use.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce central nervous system activity, inducing relaxation.

Narcotics

Analgesics that work by depressing the central nervous system and reducing pain.

Hallucinogens

Psychoactive drugs that alter mood, distort perceptions, and evoke sensory images without sensory input.