Chapters 2 & 3: Biological Bases of Behavior

Lesion

Lesion

Tissue destruction, brain lesion is the destruction of brain tissue, either naturally or experimentally.

EEG (Electrical Recordings)

Amplified recording of electrical brain activity measured by electrodes on the scalp.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

Series of x-ray photos combined by a computer to create a composite slice image of the body.

PET Scan

Visual display of brain activity showing where radioactive glucose goes during tasks.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues in the brain.

Frontal Lobe

Brain region behind the forehead involved in speech, muscle movements, and decision-making.

Corpus Callosum

Neural fibers band connecting brain hemispheres for message transmission.

Hippocampus

Brain region involved in memory processing.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, converting nerve signals into body responses.

Motor Neurons

Cells in the brain and spinal cord enabling movement, speech, and breathing.

Axon

Passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Glial Cells

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

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers influencing neural impulses between neurons.

Endocrine System

Body's slow chemical communication system using glands to secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Dominant Trait

Trait that shows over a recessive trait due to one dominant allele.

Genotypes

Possible gene combinations created by parents' DNA.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

Complex molecule containing genetic information determining traits carried by individuals.