Biological Processes - PSYC 100

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from Chapter 3 of the PSYC 100 lecture on Biological Processes.

Neuroscience

The study of the connection between the brain and behavior.

Neuron

Individual nerve cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that protect and support neurons.

Myelination

The process of wrapping myelin around nerve fibers to increase the speed of action potentials.

Action Potential

A rapid shift in membrane potential resulting in the transmission of an electrical signal along a neuron.

Synapse

The junction between an axon terminal and an adjacent nerve cell.

Neurotransmitter (NT)

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons.

Agonist

A substance that mimics or enhances the action of neurotransmitters.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks the action of neurotransmitters.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all nerves outside the CNS.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the PNS that controls involuntary actions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' activities.

Brain Stem

Controls basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex brain functions.

Broca’s Area

An area in the left hemisphere involved in speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

An area in the left hemisphere involved in language comprehension.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerves that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Epigenetics

The study of how the environment influences gene expression.