Biological Bases of Behavior and Psychology Review

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing nervous system divisions, reflex arcs, neural firing mechanisms, neurotransmitters, psychoactive drugs, and specific retail examples from the notes.

Somatic Nervous System

The division of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and acts as a two-way communication pathway transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system (CNS).

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons

Neurons that carry messages inward from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS).

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

Neurons that carry commands outward from the central nervous system (CNS) to skeletal muscles to trigger conscious actions such as writing, walking, or kicking a ball.

Autonomic Nervous System

The division of the nervous system responsible for automatic and involuntary functions, such as heart pumping.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for fight-or-flight responses, which dilates pupils, accelerates heart rate, and inhibits digestion.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest-and-digest functions, which constricts pupils, slows heart rate, and stimulates digestion.

Reflex Arc Exception

A pathway where reflexes are processed directly in the spinal cord rather than the brain, allowing a motor neuron to pull a body part away before the brain registers pain.

Direction of a Neural Impulse

The sequence of signal transmission through a neuron: Dendrites $\rightarrow$ Soma $\rightarrow$ Axon $\rightarrow$ Myelin Sheath $\rightarrow$ Terminal Buttons $\rightarrow$ Synapse.

Resting State

The polarized state of a neuron with a negative charge inside and positive charge outside, characterized by sodium ($Na^+$) outside and potassium ($K^+$) inside.

Depolarization

The process occurring when a neuron hits threshold, causing sodium channels to open so positive ions rush inside.

All-or-None Principle

The rule stating that a neuron cannot fire halfway; a stronger stimulus causes the neuron to fire more frequently rather than harder.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in movement and memory, where an undersupply (too little) is linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward and pleasure, where an oversupply (too much) is linked to Schizophrenia and an undersupply (too little) is linked to Parkinson's disease.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, where an undersupply (too little) is linked to Depression.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters responsible for pain relief, associated with experiences like a runner's high.

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that acts as the body's 'brake pedal' to calm the body down.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter that acts as the body's 'gas pedal' and is involved in learning.

Agonists

Drugs that mimic a neurotransmitter to open the receptor lock.

Antagonists

Drugs that block a neurotransmitter from binding to receptor sites.