Biopsychology

Biopsychology

Explores the biological mechanisms that underlie behavior.

Chromosome

Long strand of genetic information known as DNA.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Helix-shaped molecule made of nucleotide base pairs.

Gene

Sequence of DNA that controls or partially controls physical characteristics known as traits.

Alleles

Multiple possible variations of a specific version of a gene.

Dominant Alleles

Always results in expression of that phenotype; masks the other type of allele.

Recessive Alleles

Physically expressed only if the person is homozygous for that allele.

Punnett Squares

Tool used to predict how genes will interact in the production of offspring.

Mutations

Sudden, permanent change in a gene that can be harmful, beneficial, or both.

Range of reaction

How genes react with the environment to influence behavior.

Genetic environmental correlation

How genetic background influences behavior and environmental exposure.

Epigenetics

Study of how environmental factors alter gene expression without changing DNA.

Neuroscience

Interdisciplinary field studying how biological processes relate to mental and behavioral processes.

Glial Cells

Provides physical and metabolic support to neurons.

Neurons

Cells responsible for receiving and transmitting electrochemical information.

Synapse

Space between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron.

Resting Potential

State of a neuron when not firing an action potential; Na+ and K+ distribution is unequal.

Action Potential

An electrical signal in neurons that operates on an all-or-none principle.

Depolarization

Process where membrane potential becomes less negative and more likely to fire.

Hyperpolarization

Process where membrane potential becomes more negative and less likely to fire.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger of the nervous system with various functions.

Receptor

Chemical structures on dendrites that receive information from neurotransmitters.

Reuptake

Process of moving leftover neurotransmitter from the synapse back into the axon terminal.

Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA)

The only neurotransmitter with only inhibitory effects.

Acetylcholine

Involved in muscle action and memory.

Dopamine

Involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, and learning.

Norepinephrine

Involved in basic bodily processes and functions as a form of adrenaline.

Serotonin

Very important for regulating mood and sleep.

Psychotropic medication

Drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring neurotransmitter balance.

Agonist

Drug that mimics or strengthens the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

Drug that blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter.

Central Nervous System

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

Made of millions of nerves that span the entire body.

Somatic Nervous System

Transmits sensory and motor signals to and from the CNS.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls the function of our organs, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for fight or flight responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for normal functioning and restoring the body after stress.

Thalamus

Relay center of the brain where most senses are routed.

Cerebral Cortex

Surface of the brain associated with high-level cognitive functions.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostatic processes like body temperature and appetite.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland controlling the secretions of all other glands.

Limbic System

Involved in mediating emotional response and memory.

Amygdala

Involved in experience of emotion and processing fear.

Hippocampus

Structure associated with learning and memory.

Medulla

Controls automated processes like breathing and heart rate.

Pons

Connects the brain and spinal cord; involved in regulating sleep activity.

Cerebellum

Controls balance, coordination, and some types of memory.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Uses x-rays to create images of the brain's varied densities.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

Shows brain activity by monitoring blood flow change after injecting a radioactive substance.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses magnetic fields to produce images of body tissues.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Shows changes in metabolic activity over time.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Records electrical activity of the brain via scalp electrodes.