UNIT 1 TEST

Nature and nurture

The interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental influences in shaping behavior and traits.

Genetic predisposition

An increased likelihood of developing a particular trait or condition based on genetic inheritance.

Eugenics

A controversial movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of a population through selective breeding.

Twin studies

Research involving identical and fraternal twins to understand the influence of genetics and environment on behavior.

Central nervous system

Part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system

The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body.

Somatic nervous system

Division of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary movements and sensory information.

Autonomic nervous system

Division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that facilitates 'rest and digest' functions.

Glial cell

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons in their functions.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses throughout the body.

Reflex arc

The neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

Sensory neurons

Nerve cells that carry sensory information from the environment to the central nervous system.

Motor neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles, causing them to contract.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons in the central nervous system.

Neural transmission

The process by which signals are sent between neurons.

All-or-nothing principle

The concept that a neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Action potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down a neuron, triggered by a sufficient stimulus.

Depolarization

The process during the action potential when the inside of the neuron becomes more positive.

Refractory period

The time after an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire again.

Resting potential

The electrical potential of a neuron at rest, typically around -70 mV.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after transmitting a neural signal.

Firing threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Multiple sclerosis

A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to communication problems between the brain and the body.

Myasthenia gravis

An autoimmune disorder affecting the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to weakness.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motor function.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in regulating arousal, alertness, and stress responses.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in cognition and memory.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms nervous activity.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and promote feelings of pleasure.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter that is involved in the transmission of pain.

Acetylcholine

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

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various bodily functions.

Adrenaline

A hormone and neurotransmitter that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Leptin

A hormone that helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates appetite, promoting food intake.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Oxytocin

A hormone associated with social bonding and reproductive functions.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or dampens the biological response of another substance.

Reuptake inhibitors

Medications that prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.

Psychoactive drugs

Chemicals that affect the brain's activity, leading to changes in perception, mood, and behavior.

Stimulants

Drugs that elevate mood and increase alertness (e.g., caffeine, cocaine).

Depressants

Substances that reduce neural activity and slow body functions (e.g., alcohol).

Hallucinogens

Drugs that cause profound alterations in sensory perception (e.g., marijuana).

Opioids

A class of drugs used for pain relief that can lead to dependence (e.g., heroin).

Tolerance

The body's reduced response to a drug after repeated use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Addiction

A state of compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical and mental symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing the intake of an addictive substance.