Biological Foundations of Behavior Flashcards
Neurons
nerve cells, carry messages from the brain that command things.
Brain
- the mass of nerve tissue encased in the skull that controls virtually everything we are and everything we do.
- divided into 3 major parts, the hindbrain, the midbrain and the forebrain.
Soma
the cell body of a neuron that contains the nucleus of the cell and carries out the cells metabolic function.
Axon
the tube like part of a neuron that carries messages away from one cell of the body towards other neurons.
Neuro Transmitters
chemical messengers that transport nerve impulses from one cell to the other.
Synapse
the small fluid-filled gap between neurons through which neuro transmitters carry neural impulses.
Motor neurons
neurons that convey nerve impulses from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands.
Glands
body organs or structures that produce secretions called hormones.
Hormones
secretions from endocrine glands that help regulate bodily processes.
Interneurons
nerve cells within the central nervous systems that process information.
Nerve
a bundle of axons from different neurons that transmit nerve impulses.
Myelin Sheath
a layer of protective insulation that covers the axons of certain neurons and helps speed transition of nerve impulses.
Multiple Sclerosis
a disease of the central nervous system in which the myelin sheath that insulates axons is damaged or destroyed.
Schizophrenia
a severe and chronic psychological disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, perception, emotions and behavior.
Endorphins
- natural chemicals released in the brain that have pain killing effects.
- inhibitory neurotransmitters
- they are similar in structure to narcotic drugs
- produce feelings of well being and pleasure
- its effects are mimicked by morphine and heroin.
- they deaden pain by fitting into receptor sites for chemicals that carry pain messages to the brain, thereby locking out pain messages.
Norepinephine
chemical cousin of adrenaline.
Seratonin
- an inhibitory neuro transmitter in the brain
- serves to regulate mood states, feeling full after meals and sleep
- also works as a behavioral seat belt to curb impulsive behaviors, including impulsive acts of aggression.
The Nervous System
- made of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Central Nervous System
- the body’s master control unit
- contains the spinal cord and brain.
Spinal Cord
- a column of nerves between the brain and peripheral nerve system.
Peripheral Nervous System
- the body’s link to the outside world
- contains the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.
- a network of nerves connecting the central system to sensory organs, muscles and glands throughout the body.
The Autonomic Nervous System
- regulates involuntary body processes, including heart rate, respiration, digestion and pupil contraction.
- operates automatically without conscious direction.
- contains the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
The Somatic Nervous System
- carries sensory information from sensory organs to the central nervous system and relays motor command to muscles.
- controls voluntary movements
Sympathetic Nervous System
- mobilizes bodily resources in response to threat by speeding up heart rate and respiration and drawing stored energy from bodily reserves.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
replenishes bodily resources by promoting digestion and slowing down other bodily processes.
Spine
the protective bony column that houses the spinal cord.
Reflex
an automatic, unlearned response to particular stimuli.
Spinal Reflex
a reflex controlled at the level of the spinal cord that may involve as few as 2 neurons.
Cerebellum
a structure in the hindbrain involved in controlling coordination and balance
Thalamus
a structure in the forebrain that serves as a relay station for sensory information and that plays a key role in regulating states of wakefulness and sleep
Hypothalamus
a small, pea-sized structure in the forebrain that helps regulate many vital bodily functions, including body temperature and reproduction, as well as emotional states, aggression, and responses to stress.
Amygdala
a set of almond-shaped structures in the limbic system believed to play an important role in aggression, rage, and fear.
Hippocampus
a structure in the limbic system involved in memory formation.
Cerebrum
The largest mass of the forebrain, consisting of two cerebral hemisphere.
Melatonin
a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep–wake cycle
Oxytocin
- plays a role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth
- sometimes known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially
Estrogen
- the primary female sex hormone.
- It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics
Progesterone
endogenous steroid and progestogen sex hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis of humans and other species.
Testosterone
- the primary sex hormone and anabolic steroid in males.
- In male humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair
Methods of Studying the Brain
- EEG
- CT
- PET scan
- MRI
EEG (electroencephalograph)
A device that records electrical activity in the brain.
CT (computed tomography) scan
A computer-enhanced imaging technique in which an X-ray beam is passed through the body at different angles to generate a three-dimensional image of bodily structures (also called a CAT scan, short for computed axial tomography).
PET (positron emission tomography) scan
An imaging technique in which a radioactive sugar tracer is injected into the bloodstream and used to measure levels of activity of various parts of the brain.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
A technique that uses a magnetic field to create a computerized image of internal bodily structures.
Neuromarketing
An emerging field of marketing that examines brain responses to advertisements and brand-related messages
Lateralization
The specialization of the right and left cerebral hemispheres for particular functions.
Plasticity
The ability of the brain to adapt itself after trauma or surgical alteration.
Endocrine system
The body’s system of glands that release their secretions, called hormones, directly into the bloodstream
Genes
Basic units of heredity that contain
an individual’s genetic code.
Nature–nurture debate
The debate in psychology about the relative influences of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) in determining behavior.
Familial association studies
Studies that examine the degree to which disorders or characteristics are shared among family members
Twin studies
Studies that examine the degree to which concordance rates between twin pairs for particular disorders or characteristics vary in relation to whether the twins are identical or fraternal.
Adoptee studies
Studies that examine whether adoptees are more similar to their biological or adoptive parents with respect to their psychological traits or to the disorders they develop.
