bio

reuptake

molecules of the neurotransmitter which are not passed across the synaptic gap are taken back up into the axon of the presynaptic neuron

depolarisation

sodium ions rush into the cell making it more +ve thus creating an action potential

aborisation

an increased neural density

limbic system

connected brain structures that help regulate emotions and behaviour

distributed processing

combats localisation theory; cognitive functions spread across multiple interconnected areas

long term potentiation

persistent increase in synaptic strength from high frequency stimulation

HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal)

produces a chain reaction of hormones to trigger the release of cortisol

permissive effects

some hormones enhance effects of other biological processes (e.g. cortisol aids adrenaline in the fight or flight)

primer pheromone

slow and long term effects (e.g. hormonal systems)

signalling

immediate and instant (e.g. mate attraction)

VNO

collection of neurons in the nose that detect pheromones.

linkage analysis

the process which allows scientists to map the location of the gene on a chromosome, examining the inheritance pattern of DNA

epigenetics

how behaviours and environment cause changes that effect the way genes work

equal environment fallacy

the assumptions that twins grow up in equal environments