Biopsych unit 2

adrenal gland

Sits atop our kidneys and secretes hormones involved in the stress response.

amygdala

Structure in the limbic system involved in our experience of emotion and tying emotional meaning to our memories.

auditory cortex

Strip of cortex in the temporal lobe that is responsible for processing auditory information.

cerebellum

Hindbrain structure that controls balance, coordination, movement, and motor skills; important in processing some types of memory.

cerebral cortex

Surface of the brain that is associated with our highest mental capabilities.

epigenetics

Study of gene-environment interactions, such as how the same genotype leads to different phenotypes.

forebrain

Largest part of the brain, containing the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the limbic system, among other structures.

hindbrain

Division of the brain containing the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

hippocampus

Structure in the temporal lobe associated with learning and memory.

homeostasis

State of equilibrium—biological conditions, such as body temperature, are maintained at optimal levels.

hypothalamus

Forebrain structure that regulates sexual motivation and behavior and various homeostatic processes; serves as an interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system.

limbic system

Collection of structures involved in processing emotion and memory.

midbrain

Division of the brain located between the forebrain and the hindbrain; contains the reticular formation.

pancreas

Secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar.

pituitary gland

Secretes a number of key hormones that regulate fluid levels in the body and a number of messenger hormones that direct the activity of other glands in the endocrine system.

polygenic

Multiple genes affecting a given trait.

synaptic cleft

Small gap between two neurons where communication occurs.

synaptic vesicle

Storage site for neurotransmitters.

theory of evolution by natural selection

States that organisms that are better suited for their environments will survive and reproduce compared to those that are poorly suited for their environments.

thyroid

Secretes hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and appetite.