Psychology 1

Biological Bases of Behavior

Unit 1

Interaction of Heredity & Environment

Unit 1 | 1-10

Heredity

The manner in which characteristics and traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Nature

Innate biological factors (genetics) that is the “pre-writing” to our behavior.

Nurture

All of the external or environmental factors that affect human development and behaviors.

Genetic predisposition

To be susceptible to something or more likely to encounter something due to genetics.

Evolutionary perspective

The theoretical approach to psychology that examines why modern behaviors came to be in regards to our ancestors.

Natural Selection

The way that any genetically determined behavior that enhances the ability to survive & reproduce are passed on.

Eugenics

The scientific study of “racial improvement” through controlled breeding.

Twin studies

Studies conducted on identical and fraternal twins to understand the influence of genetics versus environment on human behavior.

Family studies

Research that examines the resemblance and behavioral similarities among family members to assess the role of genetics and environment.

Adoption studies

Research that investigates the similarities between adopted children and their biological and adoptive families, enabling analysis of genetic versus environmental influences on behavior.

Overview of the Nervous system

(Unit 1 | 11-16) The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmits signals between different parts of the body. It is responsible for coordinating voluntary and involuntary actions and processing sensory information.

Central Nervous System (brain & spinal cord)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating responses throughout the body.

Peripheral Nervous System

The portion of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, linking the Central Nervous System to limbs and organs. It is responsible for relaying information between the body and the CNS.

Autonomic nervous system

A division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, without conscious control. It is subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Sympathetic

nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic

nervous system is the division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes the 'rest and digest' functions, helping to conserve energy and maintain homeostasis after stress.

Somatic nervous system

A division of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and processes sensory information.

The Neuron and Neural Firing

(Unit 1 | 17-) The basic building block of the nervous system, a neuron transmits electrical signals through its structure, facilitating communication within the brain and throughout the body.

Neurons

are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system, playing a crucial role in processing and sending signals to other neurons.

Glial cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide insulation, nourishment, and protection for neurons.

Reflex arc

A neural pathway that involves a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron, allowing for a quick, automatic response to stimuli without conscious brain involvement.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that transmit sensory information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system, converting external stimuli into electrical signals.

Motor neurons

Cells in the brain and spinal cord that allow us to move, speak, swallow & breathe by sending commands commands from the brain to muscles.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system, facilitating communication and reflexes.

Neural transmission

The process through which signals are communicated between neurons via electrical impulses and chemical neurotransmitters. This fundamental mechanism enables communication within the nervous system.

Action potential

The “on-off” switch that helps nerves quickly communicate with each other & muscles.

All-or-nothing principle

The concept that a neuron either fires completely or not at all, depending on whether the threshold potential is reached, ensuring a uniform response.

Depolarization