Unit 1 - Biological Bases Flashcards
absolute threshold
The minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time.
accomodation
In vision, the process by which the lens of the eye shifts to focus on a particular object.
acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation, memory, and learning.
action potential
A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron, generated by the movement of positively charged atoms in and out of channels in the neuron’s membrane.
Activation-Synthesis Theory
A theory of dreaming that suggests dreams are the brain’s attempt to make sense of random neural activity.
addiction
A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use or behaviors despite harmful consequences.
agonist
A drug or chemical that enhances the activity of neurotransmitters.
Alcohol
A depressant that slows down the central nervous system, impairing cognitive and motor functions.
all-or-none response
The principle that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all.
alpha waves
The relatively slow brain waves associated with relaxation and wakefulness.
Amplitude
The height of a wave, which determines the loudness of a sound.
amygdala
A limbic system structure involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression.
antagonist
A drug or chemical that inhibits or blocks the action of neurotransmitters.
Aphasia
A condition characterized by the loss of ability to understand or express speech.
association areas
Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions but are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.
audition
The sense of hearing.
Auditory Cortex
The part of the brain that processes auditory information.
autonomic nervous system
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and glandular secretion.
axon
The extension of a neuron through which neural impulses are sent.
barbiturates
A class of drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment.
behavior genetics
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
biological psychology
A branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior.
biopsychosocial approach
An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
blind spot
The point at which the optic nerve leaves the eye, creating a small gap in the field of vision.