Biological Bases of Behavior

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to neural communication, the nervous system, brain structures, and behavioral genetics from the AP Psychology lecture notes.

Neuron

A specialized nerve cell that receives, integrates, and transmits information.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions that receive incoming signals from other cells.

Soma (Cell Body)

The neuron's life-support center that holds the nucleus and houses genetic material.

Axon

A long fiber that carries the electrical action potential away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty tissue layer insulating the axon to speed up neural impulses.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that moves down an axon.

Synapse

The tiny fluid-filled gap where one neuron communicates with another.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released into the synapse that bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and the spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The sensory and motor nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons

Cells that carry incoming information from sensory receptors up to the brain and spinal cord.

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

Cells that carry outgoing instructions from the brain and spinal cord out to muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Central nervous system neurons that internally communicate and process information between sensory inputs and motor outputs.

Frontal Lobes

The brain area behind the forehead used for speaking, muscle movements, and making plans or judgments.

Parietal Lobes

The top-rear brain area that receives sensory input for touch and body position.

Occipital Lobes

The back of the brain that processes visual information.

Temporal Lobes

The side regions above the ears that process auditory information and language.

Amygdala

Two lima-bean-sized neural clusters linked to emotion, specifically fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

A neural center in the limbic system that helps process conscious, explicit memories.

Nature vs. Nurture

The ongoing debate over the relative contributions of inherited genetics (nature) versus life experiences and environment (nurture).

Behavioral Genetics

The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Twin Studies

Research comparing identical and fraternal twins to isolate the impact of genetics versus environment