Unit II - Biological Psychology

Question 1

Biological Psychologist

Answer 1

researches brain functions to understand behavior

Question 2

Chromosomes

Answer 2

• thread-like structures
• made of protein
• a single molecule of DNA

Question 3

DNA

Answer 3

• nucleic acid
• contains genetic instruction
• used for development and functioning

Question 4

Genes

Answer 4

• basic unit
• genetic info is stored and passed between generations

Question 5

Natural Selection

Answer 5

• Charles Darwin
• process in which competition, disease, and climate eliminate weak

Question 6

Mutations

Answer 6

permanent change in genetics

Question 7

Behavior Genetics

Answer 7

genetic variation affects traits

Question 8

Twin Studies

Answer 8

studies conducted on twins

Question 9

Endocrine System

Answer 9

glands that produce hormones

Question 10

Hormone

Answer 10

chemical messengers that influence nervous system to regulate behavior

Question 11

Pineal Gland

Answer 11

regulates body’s circadian rhythm

Question 12

Pituitary Gland

Answer 12

regulates vital body functions/general well-being

Question 13

Adrenal Gland

Answer 13

regulates metabolism, immune system, blood pressure

Question 14

Hypothalamus

Answer 14

• contains nuclei
• automatic functions

Question 15

Spinal Cord

Answer 15

connects our brian to body

Question 16

Spinal Reflex

Answer 16

simple behaviors in spinal cord

Question 17

Somatic Nervous System

Answer 17

voluntary control of body movement

Question 18

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 18

regulates involuntary body movements

Question 19

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer 19

fight-or-flight response

Question 20

Fight or Flight

Answer 20

automatic reaction to stressful event

Question 21

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer 21

• network of nerves
• relaxes body after stress

Question 22

Nucleus

Answer 22

• individual cells
• basic building block of nervous system

Question 23

Cell Body / Soma

Answer 23

contains neurons and chemical machinery

Question 24

Dendrites

Answer 24

• branch-like structures
• receives info from other neurons

Question 25

Myelin Sheath

Answer 25

- fatty substance - covers axon - helps insulate - protects and speeds up process

Question 26

Node of Ranvier

Answer 26

short regions between axon covered by myelin sheath

Question 27

Axon

Answer 27

- tube-like structures - carries neural message away from soma to other cells

Question 28

Axon Terminal

Answer 28

- small knobs - produce neurotransmitters

Question 29

Schwann Cell

Answer 29

- glial cell that surrounds neurons

Question 30

Action Potential

Answer 30

brief shift in neuron's charge that travels along axon

Question 31

Stimulus Threshold

Answer 31

minimum intensity required from stimulus to produce a response

Question 32

All-or-None Law

Answer 32

100% or 0%

Question 33

Resting Potential

Answer 33

neuron's state when it isn't firing

Question 34

Synapse

Answer 34

junction where info is transmitted from one neuron to another

Question 35

Neurotransmitter

Answer 35

chemical messanger

Question 36

Reuptake

Answer 36

neurotransmitters in synapse are reabsorbed