Biological Bases of Behavior: Brain Structures and Neurotransmitters

Vocabulary practice cards defining key brain structures, neural firing states, and neurotransmitters.

Amygdala

Brain structure associated with emotion.

Cerebellum

Brain structure responsible for balance and implicit memories (without conscious recall).

Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal lobes

Brain regions responsible for logic & impulse control, sensation, vision, and hearing.

Hippocampus

Brain structure responsible for explicit memories (facts & events we can explain).

Hypothalamus

Brain structure responsible for basic drives (hunger, thirst).

Thalamus

Brain structure that directs sensory input to correct brain region.

Polarized vs. depolarized

Neuron cannot fire (polarized) vs. neuron can fire (depolarized).

Agonist

A drug that mimics neurotransmitters.

Antagonist

A drug that blocks neurotransmitters.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter involved in learning and muscle movement.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in reward seeking; excessive in schizophrenics.

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that controls arousal (fight or flight).

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter linked to mood: low amounts = depression, high amounts = manic.