BS 1.4 - Influences On Behavior Flashcards
What is a neurotransmitter?
Chemical released by neurons to carry a signal to another neuron or effector (muscle fiber or gland)
What is acetylcholine?
NT used by the somatic Nervous System (to move muscles), the parasympathetic nervous system, and the central nervous system (for alertness)
What is dopamine?
NT used to maintain smooth movements and steady posture
What are endorphins and enkephalins?
NTs that act as natural pain killers
What are epinephrine and norepinephrine?
NTs that maintain wakefulness and alertness and mediate fight-or-flight responses.
EPI tends to act as a hormone
norEPI tends to act as classic NT
What are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine?
NTs that act as brain stabilizers
What is glutamate?
NT that acts as brain exciter
What is serotonin?
NT that modulates mood, sleep patterns, eating patterns, and dreaming
How are the endocrine and nervous systems linked together?
Via the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, as well as a few other hormones
What is cortisol?
Stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex
What are testosterone and estrogen?
Sex hormones that mediate libido
T also increases aggression
Both released by adrenal cortex but also testes in male, ovaries in female
What structure releases EPI/NOREPI and what role do they play?
Released by adrenal medulla and cause psychological changes associated with sympathetic nervous system
Explain NATURE vs NURTURE
Classic debate regarding relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to an individual’s traits.
For most traits, both play a role.
Relative effects of each can be studied
What 3 studies are used to relate NATURE vs NURTURE?
Family studies
Twin studies
Adoption studies
Describe family studies
Look at relative frequency of a trait within a family compared to general population
