Chapter 3: Biopsychology Flashcards
Darwin’s natural selection
In simple terms, the theory states that organisms that are better suited for their environment will survive and reproduce, while those that are poorly suited for their environment will die off.
Chromosome
Long strand of genetic information
Phenotype
Individual’s inheritable physical characteristics
Genotype
Genetic makeup of an individual
Mutations
Sudden, permanent change in a gene
Range of reaction
Asserts our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall
Terminal buttons
Axon terminal containing synaptic vesicles
Action potential
Electrical signal that moves down the neuron’s axon
Myelin sheath
Fatty substance that insulates axons
SSRI
Selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors, limit seratonin reuptake, causing more seratonin in brain at a given time
Nervous systems-two parts
The somatic nervous system is associated with activities traditionally thought of as conscious or voluntary
The autonomic nervous system controls our internal organs and glands and is generally considered to be outside the realm of voluntary control. It can be further subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
Sympathetic nervous system
Involved in preparing the body for stress-related activities
Parasympathetic nervous system
Associated with returning the body to routine, day-to-day operations.
Homeostasis
State of equilibrium—biological conditions, such as body temperature, are maintained at optimal levels
Lateralization
Concept that each hemisphere of the brain is associated with specialized functions
