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Intro to Psychology > Chapter 3 > Flashcards

Chapter 3 Flashcards

1
Q

Heredity

A

The biological process responsible for passing on traits from one generation to another.

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2
Q

Genes

A

Basic units of heredity
(approx. 20,000-25,000)

Guide the process of creating proteins that make up our physical structures and a regular development and physiological processes.

Made of DNA segments

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3
Q

DNA

A

A molecule formed in a double helix shape.

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4
Q

Chromosomes

A

Structures in the cells nucleolus that are lined with all of the genes someone inherits.

23 pairs of chromosomes 

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5
Q

 Genotype

A

The genetic makeup of an organism.

The unique set of genes that comprise the individuals genetic code.

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6
Q

Phenotype

A

The physical traits and behavioural characteristics expressed
Ex) eye colour, facial features, personality

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7
Q

Behavioural genomics

A

Study of DNA and how specific genes are related to behaviour.

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8
Q

Behavioural genetics

A

How genes and the environment influence behaviour.

Genetic and environmental influences both account for differences in behaviour.
(nature vs. nurture, genes vs. Environment)

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9
Q

Epigenetics

A

How experiences cause changes in gene expression without altering genetic code

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10
Q

Natural selection

A

Favourable traits become increasingly common in a population of interbreeding individuals, while unfavourable traits become less common.

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11
Q

Evolution

A

Change in the frequency of genes occurring in an interbreeding population over generations.

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12
Q

Evolutionary psychology

A

Attempts to explain the human behavior’s based on the beneficial functions that may have served our species development.

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13
Q

Nervous system

A

Part of an animals body involved in coordination of behaviour.

Consist of:
- central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
- peripheral nervous system (nerve connections throughout the body)

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14
Q

Neurons

A

Types of cells found in the nervous system that are responsible for sending and receiving messages throughout the body.

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15
Q

Function of cell body (Soma)

A

Contains the nucleus that houses the cells genetic material.

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16
Q

Dendrites

A

Small branches attached to the cell body that receive messages from other cells.

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17
Q

Axon

A

Transports information in the form of electrochemical reactions from the cell body.

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18
Q

Axon terminals

A

Bulb-like extensions at the end of the axon. Filled with vesicles containing neurotransmitters.

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19
Q

Neuroplasticity

A

The process by which the brain changes and rewires itself based experience.

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20
Q

Neurogenesis

A

Formation of new neurons.

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21
Q

Ion channels

A

Small pores on the neurons cell membrane that allows ions to pass through.

22
Q

Action potential

A

Wave of electrical activity starting at the beginning of the axon and rapidly travels down the length of the axon. 

23
Q

Refractory period

A

Neuron cannot fire until it returns to original resting potential.

24
Q

Synapse

A

The area involving neuron 1’s axon terminals, and neuron 2’s dendrites.

25
Q

Presynaptic cell

A

Neuron that releases its neurotransmitters

26
Q

Postsynaptic cell

A

Neuron that receives neurotransmitters from presynaptic cell.

27
Q

Excitatory neuron

A

Increases the likelihood of an action potential for that neuron

28
Q

Inhibitory neuron

A

Decreases the likelihood of an action potential for that neuron.

29
Q

Reuptake

A

Process where neurotransmitter molecules are reabsorbed into the axon terminals of the presynaptic neuron

30
Q

Somatic system (PNS)

A

Nerves that control skeletal muscles, responsible for voluntary and reflexive movements.

Nerves that receive sensory input from the body. 

31
Q

Autonomic system (PNS)

A

Unconscious control of glands and bodily organs.

2 subcomponents:
- sympathetic nervous system
- parasympathetic nervous system 

32
Q

Sympathetic nervous system

A

Control of responses that prepare the body for action (fight or flight)
Ex) heart rate increase

33
Q

Parasympathetic nervous system

A

Maintains homeostasis (balance)

Returns body to non-emergency state.

34
Q

Corpus callosum

A

Neural fibres connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.

35
Q

Hindbrain

A

Contains structures critical for basic, life-sustaining process.
(Survival)

36
Q

Midbrain

A

Relays station between sensory and motor areas
Includes:
- superior colliculus (visual attention)
- inferior colliculus (auditory attention)

37
Q

Forebrain

A

Everything above the midbrain. Many interconnected structures critical to the processing emotion, memory, thinking, and reasoning.

38
Q

Medulla

A

(In hindbrain)
Involves regulation of breathing, heart rate (minimal conscious control)

39
Q

Pons

A

(In Hindbrain)
Responsible for wakefulness

40
Q

Cerebellum

A

(In hindbrain)
Coordination of timing of movement, maintaining balance, attention, and emotional responses.

41
Q

Basal ganglia

A

(In forebrain)
Involves planned movements, skill learning, and integrating sensory and motor information with a reward/pleasure system.

42
Q

Amygdala

A

(In forebrain)
Facilitates memory formation for emotional events. Creates fear responses.

43
Q

Hippocampus

A

(In forebrain)
Responsible for learning and the formation of new memories.

44
Q

Hypothalamus

A

(In forebrain)
Responsible for homeostasis (temp, hunger, thirst, sex)

45
Q

Thalamus

A

(In forebrain)
Relays incoming sensory information to different brain regions.

46
Q

Cerebral cortex

A

Wrinkled outer layer of the brain.
Involved And hire a function such a thought, language, and personality.

4 lobes: occipital, parietal, temporal, frontal

47
Q

Occipital lobes

A

Process visual information

48
Q

Parietal lobes

A

Responsible for touch, bodily awareness, spatial awareness, attention.

49
Q

Temporal lobes

A

Responsible for hearing, language, memory, visual object recognition.

50
Q

Frontal lobe 

A

Consists of:
Primary motor cortex - voluntary movement
Prefrontal cortex - planning, decision making, language production, regulating emotion

51
Q

Lesioning

A

Intentional damage to an area in the brain of an animal.

Allows researchers to isolate particular brain structures, lesion them, and study the resulting behaviour.

Intro to Psychology (16 decks)

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