The Biological Bases of Behavior - Key Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from lecture notes on the biological bases of behavior, including neurons, the brain, states of consciousness, and sensation.

Neurons

Cells in the nervous system that transmit information.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system providing nutrients and insulation to neurons.

Reflex Arcs

Neural pathways that control reflexes, allowing for rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli.

Neural Transmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to target organs.

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemical substances that affect the nervous system and alter perception, mood, or behavior.

Brainstem

The lower part of the brain connecting to the spinal cord, responsible for basic life functions.

Medulla

The base of the brainstem controlling vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Corpus Callosum

A band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres, allowing them to communicate.

Brain Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Circadian Rhythm

The body's natural 24-hour cycle regulating sleep, wakefulness, and other physiological processes.

Paradoxical Sleep

Also known as REM sleep, characterized by brain activity similar to wakefulness, rapid eye movements, and muscle paralysis.

Sleep Disorders

Conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time.

Weber's Law

The principle that the JND is proportional to the magnitude of the original stimulus.

Sensory Adaptation

Reduced sensitivity to a stimulus due to constant exposure.

Sensory Interaction

The principle that one sense may influence another.

Synesthesia

A condition in which stimulation of one sense triggers experiences in another sense.