Chapter 3: Biology and Behavior

Vocabulary flashcards covering the nervous system, brain structures, endocrine system, genetics, and their influence on behavior.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Links the CNS to the rest of the body; everything else besides the brain and spinal cord.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movement and relays sensory input to motor output.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for the "fight or flight" response within the ANS.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for "rest and digest" functions within the ANS.

Neurons

The basic unit of the nervous system; nerve cells.

Dendrites

Parts of a neuron that receive messages.

Cell body (soma)

Part of a neuron that integrates information.

Axon

Part of a neuron that transmits signals.

Myelin sheath

A fatty covering that speeds up signal conduction along the axon.

Terminal buttons

Structures at the end of an axon that release neurotransmitters.

Action potential

An electrical signal that travels down the axon.

Synapse

The gap where neurotransmitters cross between neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that carry information across the synapse.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle action, memory, and learning.

Dopamine (DA)

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement.

Serotonin (5-HT)

A neurotransmitter influencing mood, sleep, and appetite.

Norepinephrine (NE)

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness.

GABA

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Glutamate

The main excitatory neurotransmitter.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters involved in pain relief and pleasure.

Hindbrain

A region of the brain including the Medulla, Pons, and Cerebellum.

Medulla

Controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Pons

Involved in sleep, arousal, and movement coordination.

Cerebellum

Responsible for balance and motor learning.

Midbrain

A region of the brain including the Substantia nigra.

Substantia nigra

Involved with dopamine production and movement control; linked to Parkinson
R

’s disease.

Forebrain

A region of the brain including the Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, Amygdala, Basal ganglia, and Cerebral cortex.

Thalamus

Acts as the sensory relay station in the brain.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis, hunger, thirst, sex drive, and hormones.

Hippocampus

Crucial for memory formation.

Amygdala

Processes emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Basal ganglia

Involved in movement and habit learning.

Cerebral cortex

Responsible for higher thinking and perception.

Frontal lobe

The cerebral cortex lobe involved in planning, judgment, and motor control.

Parietal lobe

The cerebral cortex lobe involved in sensory input and spatial awareness.

Occipital lobe

The cerebral cortex lobe primarily responsible for vision.

Temporal lobe

The cerebral cortex lobe involved in hearing, memory, and language.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream.

Pituitary gland

Often called the "master gland" of the endocrine system.

Adrenal gland

An endocrine gland involved in the stress response.

Thyroid gland

An endocrine gland that regulates metabolism.

Gonads

Endocrine glands that produce sex hormones.

Genes

The basic units of heredity.

Genotype & Phenotype

An organism's genetic makeup.

Behavioral genetics

The study of how heredity and environment shape behavior.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and reorganize itself.