Unit 3- Biological Foundations

acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands.

fMRI

Functional magnetic resonance imaging, a technique for measuring brain activity.

parasympathetic

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and increases activities.

action potential

The electrical signal that travels down a neuron.

frontal lobe

Region of the brain associated with reasoning, planning, and problem-solving.

adaptation

The process by which organisms adjust to changes in their environment.

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a role in reducing neuronal excitability.

adrenaline

A hormone released in response to stress that increases heart rate and energy.

genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell.

agnosia

The inability to process sensory information, often leading to an inability to recognize objects.

glial cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

neurogenesis

The process of creating new neurons in the brain.

agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

All-or-Nothing principle

The principle stating that a neuron either fires at full strength or not at all.

grey matter

Regions of the brain primarily made up of neuronal cell bodies.

nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath of neurons that facilitate the rapid conduction of impulses.

amygdala

A brain structure involved in emotion processing and fear responses.

heritability

The proportion of variation in a trait attributable to genetic factors.

norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in alertness and readiness for action.

nucleus accumbens

A brain region associated with reward, pleasure, and addiction.

antagonist

A substance that blocks or dampens a neurotransmitter's effect.

hippocampus

A brain structure involved in learning and memory.

occipital lobe

The part of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

aphasia

A language disorder affecting speech and comprehension.

Huntington's Disease

A hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction.

oxytocin

A hormone that plays a role in social bonding and reproduction.

apraxia

A disorder of motor planning that affects the ability to perform tasks.

hypothalamus

A brain region involved in regulating bodily functions and the endocrine system.

parietal lobe

Region of the brain responsible for processing sensory information.

association area

Brain regions involved in higher-level processing and integration of information.

inhibitory neurotransmitter

A type of neurotransmitter that reduces the likelihood of an action potential.

PET Scan

Positron emission tomography, a scanning method that measures metabolic processes.

axon

The long, thin part of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

insulin

A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

pituitary gland

The master gland that regulates other hormone glands in the body.

basal ganglia

Group of structures linked to the control of movement and coordination.

biopsychologist

A scientist who studies the biological basis of behavior.

ipsilateral

Relating to the same side of the body.

pons

A part of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus.

brain plasticity

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

lesioning

The process of intentionally damaging or removing brain tissue to study its effects.

prefrontal cortex

Brain region associated with complex cognitive behavior and decision-making.

reflex arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

brain stem

The central trunk of the brain, responsible for basic life functions.

limbic system

A complex system involved in emotion, memory, and behavior.

Broca's Area

Brain region involved in speech production.

medulla

Part of the brainstem controlling breathing, heart rate, and reflexes.

CAT Scan

Computed axial tomography, a medical imaging method employing x-rays.

molecular genetics

The field that studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.

resting potential

The electrical charge of a neuron when it is not conducting an impulse.

cell body (soma)

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles.

motor cortex

Area of the brain involved in planning and executing movement.

Reticular Activating System

Network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates arousal and alertness.

cerebellum

Brain structure that regulates coordination and balance.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging, a method used to visualize internal structures.

reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron.

corpus callosum

The structure that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

multiple sclerosis

A disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of neurons.

serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotion, and sleep.

dendrites

Branchlike structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

myelin sheath

An insulating layer that surrounds nerve fibers and speeds up impulse transmission.

substance P

A neuropeptide involved in the transmission of pain and other sensory signals.

dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

natural selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive.

synapse

The junction between two neurons, where communication occurs.

Down's Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21.

EEG

Electroencephalogram, a test that detects electrical activity in the brain.

terminal button

The small bulb at the end of an axon that releases neurotransmitters.

endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers.

testosterone

A hormone that plays key roles in male reproductive development.

epigenetics

The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression.

central nervous system

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential.

epinephrine

Another name for adrenaline, a hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response.

thyroxine

A hormone produced by the thyroid that regulates metabolism.

TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive method to stimulate nerve cells.

white matter

Regions of the brain made up of myelinated axons.

Ramon y Cajal

A Spanish neuroscientist known for his work on neuron structure.

Michael Gazzaniga

A neuroscientist known for his research on split-brain patients.

Roger Sperry

A neuroscientist recognized for his work in hemispheric specialization.

twin studies

Research involving identical and fraternal twins to study genetic influences on behavior.

Wernicke's Area

Brain region involved in language comprehension.