Biopsychology

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to biopsychology, including genetics, neuron structure, and the nervous system.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism.

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its trait even if only one copy is present.

Recessive Allele

An allele that expresses its trait only if two copies are present.

Sickle-Cell Anemia

A genetic condition affecting red blood cells, leading to blockages and tissue damage.

Gene-Environment Interaction

The interplay between genetics and environmental influences on phenotypes.

Neuron

The fundamental building block of the nervous system.

Dendrites

Branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

A long extension of a neuron that transmits electrical signals.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty substance that insulates the axon and increases the speed of electrical signals.

Synaptic Cleft

The small gap between neurons where neurotransmitter exchange occurs.

Agonists

Chemicals that mimic neurotransmitters by binding to and activating their receptors.

Antagonists

Chemicals that block or impede the normal activity of neurotransmitters.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Composed of all the nerves extending from the CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary actions and relays sensory and motor information.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for stressful, high-arousal situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Returns the body to routine, day-to-day operations.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in reasoning, motor control, emotion, and language.

Temporal Lobe

Associated with hearing, memory, and emotion.

Limbic System

A collection of structures involved in emotion and memory.

Thalamus

Acts as a sensory relay station.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostatic processes like body temperature and appetite.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates biological rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

Substance Use Disorder

A compulsive pattern of drug use despite negative consequences.

Dependence

When the body adapts to a drug or there is an emotional need for it.

Tolerance

The need for more of a drug for the same effect.

Withdrawal

The negative symptoms experienced when drug use is discontinued.

Sensation

The process where sensory receptors detect sensory information.

Perception

The process of organizing, interpreting, and consciously experiencing sensations.

Top-Down Processing

Perceptions influenced by our knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Bottom-Up Processing

Perceptions built from sensory input.

Trichromatic Theory

Suggests that we have three types of cones sensitive to different wavelengths of light.

Opponent-Process Theory

States that color is coded in opponent pairs (e.g., black-white, yellow-blue).

Gestalt Psychology

Studies how we organize sensory information into meaningful wholes.

Figure-Ground Relationship

Our tendency to perceive a visual field as a central figure against a background.