C. AB Theoretical Approaches in Psychological Disorders

Genes

long molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Autosomes

22 pairs of chromosomes provide programs or directions for the development of the body and brain

Sex Chromosomes

last pair of chromosomes that determines an individual's sex

Dominant Gene

strongly influences a particular trait, only one is needed

Recessive Gene

must be paired with another recessive gene to determine a trait

Gene Dominance

occurs when one member of a gene pair is consistently expressed over the other

Polygenic

influenced by many genes; development, behavior, personality, and intelligence

Human Genome

an individual's complete set of genes; consists of more than 20,000 genes

Quantitative Genetics

sums up all the tiny effects across many genes

Molecular Genetics

focuses on examining the actual structure of genes

DNA Microarrays

allow scientists to analyze thousands of genes at once and identify broad networks of genes that may be contributing to a particular trait

De Novo Mutations

genetic mutations that can occur as a result of a mutation in a germ cell of one of the parents

Unshared Environments

demonstrates that even siblings who are close in every aspect of their lives can still have considerably different experiences physically and socially as they grow up

Marker Genes

location of genes that have the trait

Endophenotyping

process of finding basic processes that contribute to the behaviors or symptoms of the disorder and then finding the gene or genes that cause these difficulties

Smooth

Pursuit Eye Movement

Neuroscience Paradigm

examines the contribution of brain structure and function to psychopathology

Central Nervous System

consist of the brain and the spinal cord; processes all the information received from our sense and organs

Spinal Cord

facilitates the sending of messages to and from the brain

Neurons

specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body

Nucleus

found in the cell body and responsible for neural processes

Dendrite

has receptors that receive chemical impulses which is then converted to electrical signals (action potential)

Axons

sends out received signal to other neurons

Terminal Buttons

end of an axon

Synapses

connection between nerve cells

Synaptic Cleft

small space between the end of each neuron through which impulse must pass

Neurotransmitters

chemicals that allow neurons to send a signal to another neuron

Peripheral Nervous System

coordinates with the brain stem to make sure the body is working properly

Somatic Nervous System

controls the muscle

Autonomic Nervous System

regulates the cardiovascular system and the endocrine system

Sympathetic Nervous System

mobilizes the body during times of stress and danger

Parasympathetic Nervous System

responsible for balancing the sympathetic NS

Endocrine System

secretes hormones into the bloodstream; closely related to the immune system

Adrenal Glands

produce epinephrine (also called adrenaline) in response to stress, as well as salt

Thyroid Glands

produces thyroxine, which facilitates energy metabolism and growth

Pituitary Gland

master gland that produces a variety of regulatory hormones

Gonadal Glands

produce sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone

Hypothalamic

Pituitary

Telomere

appears to moderate the effect of depression and cortisol

Brainstem

handles most autonomic functions such as sleeping, breathing etc

Hindbrain

lowest part of the brainstem that regulates most autonomic activities

Pons

handles unconscious processes such as the sleep

Medulla Oblongata

regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing

Cerebellum

manages motor coordination

Midbrain

coordinates movement in sensory inputs

Reticular Activating System

aids in the processing of arousal and tensions

Forebrain

largest division of the brain; responsible for higher level thinking

Limbic System

helps with emotional regulation / expression and, to some extent, the ability to learn and to control impulses

Hippocampus (Sea Horse)

involved in long

Cingulate Gyrus (Girdle)

involved in processing emotions and behavior regulation