Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior (copy)

Broca's area

A region in the left frontal lobe associated with the ability to speak.

Expressive aphasia

The loss of the ability to speak due to damage in Broca's area.

Wernicke's area

A region in the left temporal lobe involved in understanding language.

Receptive aphasia

The loss of the ability to comprehend written and spoken language due to damage in Wernicke's area.

Lesions

Precise destruction of brain tissue allowing systematic study of brain functions.

Brain lateralization

The specialization of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

CAT scan

A computerized imaging technique that creates two-dimensional slices of the brain.

MRI

A technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain tissues.

EEG

A test that records electrical activity of the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Evoked potentials

Amplified tracings of brain activity in response to specific stimuli.

PET scan

An imaging technique that produces color graphics based on brain metabolic activity.

fMRI

A type of MRI that shows brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Peripheral nervous system

The part of the nervous system lying outside the CNS, consisting of nerves that carry sensory and motor information.

Somatic nervous system

The subdivision of the PNS that controls voluntary muscle movements.

Autonomic nervous system

The subdivision of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and conserves energy.

Gyri

The raised surfaces or peaks of the cerebral cortex.

Sulci

The grooves or valleys in the cerebral cortex.

Neuron

The basic unit of structure and function of the nervous system.

Action potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential when a neuron is sufficiently stimulated.

Saltatory conduction

The process by which action potentials jump from node to node along a myelinated axon.

Reflex arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate various functions in the body.

Nature-nurture controversy

A debate about the relative influence of genetics and environment on behavior.

Behavioral geneticists

Researchers studying the influence of genes and environment on behavior.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an individual resulting from the interaction of genotype and environment.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

A condition characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks at inappropriate times.

Sleep apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep.

Hypnosis

An altered state of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility.

Meditation

Techniques used to focus concentration for calmness and tranquility.

Psychoactive drugs

Chemicals that affect brain function and can alter perception, mood, and behavior.