The Biological Bases of Behavior

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the biological bases of behavior.

Neuron

A nerve cell that generates electro-chemical signals for nerve activities.

Dendrite

A projection that picks up impulses from other neurons.

Synapse

The terminal point of an axon branch which releases neurotransmitters.

Action Potential

A change in the potential difference of the neuron that indicates it has fired.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty coat that insulates the axons of some nerve cells, speeding transmission of impulses.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals used by neurons to communicate with one another.

Graded Potentials

Small deviations from the resting potential in a neuron.

Astrocytes

Glial cells that protect neurons from infection and toxins by forming the blood-brain barrier.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that repair neurons and increase the speed of conducting electricity in neurons.

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that consists of 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.

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 calms the body and conserves energy.

Hippocampus

A structure in the limbic system involved in the formation of long-term memory.

Amygdala

A part of the limbic system that is involved in the experience of fear and aggression.

Broca's Area

A region of the frontal lobe responsible for language production.

Wernicke's Area

A region of the temporal lobe important for language comprehension.

Corpus Callosum

A band of fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitating communication between them.

Resting Potential

The electrical charge difference when a neuron is not firing.

Refractory Period

The period after a neuron fires during which it cannot fire again.