T3 Biology Review Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the Nervous System, Addictions, Climate Change, Reproductive Health, and Renewable Energy based on the Biology T3 study guide.

Neuron

The structural unit of the nervous system consisting of dendrites, a soma, an axon, and terminals.

Dendrites

The branch-like parts of a neuron that receive signals from other cells.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron where the nucleus is located.

Axon

The long fiber of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.

Synapse

The functional connection or gap across which a nerve impulse passes from one neuron to another.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse between neurons.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Reflex

An automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus, such as pulling a hand away from a hot surface.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that controls a reflex, involving an organ, a receptor, and an effector.

Psychoactive Substance

A chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness.

Tolerance

A state in which a person no longer responds to a drug as they initially did, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same effect.

Physical Dependence

The body's physiological need for a drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.

Psychological Dependence

An emotional or mental need to use a drug or substance to feel well or function.

Greenhouse Effect

A natural process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere to keep the Earth warm.

Greenhouse Gases (GHG)

Gases responsible for the greenhouse effect, including $CO_2$ (carbon dioxide), $CH_4$ (methane), and $N_2O$ (nitrous oxide).

Mitigation

Strategies and actions aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases.

Adaptation

Adjusting habits and infrastructure to respond to the current or expected impacts of climate change.

Puberty

The stage of life characterized by physical and emotional changes in adolescents as they reach sexual maturity.

Ovum

The female reproductive cell (egg).

Spermatozoon

The male reproductive cell (sperm).

Fertilization

The process of the union of an ovum and a spermatozoon to initiate human reproduction.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections that are primarily passed from person to person through sexual contact.

Consent

A clear, voluntary, and informed agreement between individuals in a healthy relationship.

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as solar or wind.

Non-renewable Energy

Energy sources that exist in limited amounts and take millions of years to form, such as fossil fuels.

Biomass

A type of renewable energy derived from organic materials.

Geothermal Energy

Renewable energy generated and stored in the Earth's interior heat.

Energy Efficiency

The practice of using less energy to provide the same level of energy service or performance.