Biological Bases of Behavior - Key Terms and Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the biological bases of behavior, including brain structure, neuron function, neurotransmitters, hormones, and relevant medical imaging techniques.

Frontal Lobe

Part of the brain associated with reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

Occipital Lobe

Part of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in emotion regulation and fear response.

Hippocampus

A brain region critical for memory formation.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system.

Action potential

An electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in voluntary muscle movement and memory.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.

Cortisol

A hormone released in response to stress, regulating metabolism and immune response.

MRI/fMRI

Imaging techniques used to visualize brain structure/function.

Brain plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Neurotransmitter reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after signal transmission.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the brain to muscles to facilitate movement.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.