Biology Flashcards
Nature
Genetic and biological factors influencing development.
Nurture
Environmental factors influencing development.
Evolutionary Perspective
Explores how natural selection influences behavior and mental processes.
Natural Selection
Process where traits that enhance survival are passed on
Eugenics
The controversial practice of improving genetic quality by selective breeding
Genetic Predisposition
Increased likelihood of developing a condition based on genetics.
CNS
Brain and spinal cord. AKA The Central nervous system
Sensory Neurons
Transmit sensory information to the CNS.
Adoption Studies
Research comparing adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents.
Twin Studies
Research comparing similarities between identical and fraternal twins.
Reflex Arc
Pathway for reflex actions
Motor Neurons
Transmit commands from the CNS to muscles.
Interneurons
Connect neurons within the CNS
PNS
Nerves outside the CNS. AKA The Peripheral nervous system
Somatic Nervous System
Controls voluntary movements.
ANS
Controls involuntary bodily functions AKA The Autonomic nervous system.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Activates fight-or-flight response.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Promotes rest and digestion.
Neurons
Nerve cells transmitting information.
Glial Cells
Support and protect neurons.
Neural Transmission
Process of sending signals between neurons.
Action Potential
Electrical impulse traveling down a neuron.
All or Nothing
Principle states that neurons either fire completely or not at all
Resting Potential
Electrical charge across the neuron membrane when not firing
Depolarization
Reduction in membrane potential making a neuron more likely to fire.
Refractory Period
Time after an action potential when a neuron can’t fire again.
Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that stimulate neurons to fire.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that prevent neurons from firing.
Acetylcholine
Neurotransmitter involved in muscle action, learning, and memory.
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter affecting mood, sleep, and appetite.
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control
Glutamate
Major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
Gaba
Major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.
Substance P
A neurotransmitter involved in pain perception.
Endorphins
Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.
Norepinephrine
Neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness.
Hormones
Chemical messengers released by glands to regulate bodily functions
Leptin
Hormone that regulates hunger and energy balance.
Ghrelin
Hormone that stimulates appetite
Melatonin
Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Oxytocin
Hormone involved in social bonding and childbirth.
Agonist
Drugs that mimic or enhance neurotransmitter effects.
Antagonists
Drugs that block or reduce neurotransmitter effects.
Reuptake Inhibitors
Drugs that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters.
Alcohol
A depressant that affects motor skills and judgment.
Heroin
An opioid that is highly addictive.
Caffeine
A stimulant that increases alertness.
Cocaine
A stimulant that increases dopamine levels.
Marijuana
A drug that can act as a depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogen.
Tolerance
The reduced response to a drug after repeated use.
Withdrawal
The symptoms experienced when stopping or reducing drug use
Addiction
The compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences
Depressant
Drugs that decrease neural activity and slow body functions.
Multiple Sclerosis
Disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of neurons
Family Studies
Research examining traits among family members.
Stimulants
Are drugs that increase neural activity and energy.
Adrenaline
Hormone that prepares the body for fight-or-flight response.
Reuptake
Reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron
Threshold
Minimum stimulus needed to trigger an action potential.
Myasthenia Gravis
An autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness.
Opioids
Are drugs that relieve pain and produce euphoria.
Heredity
Transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
The Nervous System
Speedy
Messages zip from the eye to the brain
to the hand in a second
The Endocrine System
Slow
Takes several seconds for a message to
travel from a gland to tissue
Hallucinogens
Drugs that cause perceptual distortions.
