Unit1_Chapter1&6 Flashcards
behavioral intervention
An approach to finding relations between body variables and behavioral variables that involves intervening in the behavior of an organism and looking for resultant changes in body structure or function. See Figure 1.2. Compare somatic intervention.
biological psychology
Also called behavioral neuroscience. The study of the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior.
consciousness
The state of awareness of one_s own existence and experience.
conserved
In the context of evolution, referring to a trait that is passed on from a common ancestor to two or more descendant species.
correlation
The covariation of two measures.
dependent variable
The factor that an experimenter measures to monitor a change in response to manipulation of an independent variable.
dualism
The notion, promoted by Ren? Descartes, that the mind is subject only to spiritual interactions, while the body is subject only to material interactions.
independent variable
The factor that is manipulated by an experimenter. Compare dependent variable.
levels of analysis
The scope of experimental approaches. A scientist may try to understand behavior by monitoring molecules, nerve cells, brain regions, or social environments, or some combination of these levels of analysis.
neuron
Also called nerve cell. The basic unit of the nervous system. Each neuron is composed of a cell body, receptive extension(s) (dendrites), and a transmitting extension (axon). See Figures 2.4, 2.5.
neuroplasticity
Also called neural plasticity. The ability of the nervous system to change in response to experience or the environment.
neuroscience
The study of the nervous system.
ontogeny
The process by which an individual changes in the course of its lifetime_that is, grows up and grows old.
phrenology
The belief that bumps on the skull reflect enlargements of brain regions responsible for certain behavioral faculties. See Figure 1.12.
reductionism
The scientific strategy of breaking a system down into increasingly smaller parts in order to understand it.
somatic intervention
An approach to finding relations between body variables and behavioral variables that involves manipulating body structure or function and looking for resultant changes in behavior. See Figure 1.2. Compare behavioral intervention.
17_-estradiol
See estradiol.
adrenal cortex
The outer rind of the adrenal gland. See Figures 5.1, 5.16; Table 5.2.
adrenal gland
An endocrine gland atop the kidney. See Figures 5.1, 5.16.
adrenal medulla
The inner core of the adrenal gland, which secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. See Figures 5.1, 5.16.
adrenocorticoids
Also called adrenal steroids. A class of steroid hormones that are secreted by the adrenal cortex.
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
A tropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that controls the production and release of hormones of the adrenal cortex. See Table 5.2; Figure 5.15.
aldosterone
A mineralocorticoid hormone, secreted by the adrenal cortex, that induces the kidneys to conserve sodium ions.
allomone
A chemical signal that is released outside the body by one species and affects the behavior of other species. See Figures 5.3, 5.4. Compare pheromone.
amine hormones
Also called monoamine hormones. A class of hormones, each composed of a single amino acid that has been modified into a related molecule, such as melatonin or epinephrine.
androgens
A class of hormones that includes testosterone and other male hormones. See Figure 5.19; Table 5.2.
androstenedione
The chief sex hormone secreted by the human adrenal cortex. Androstenedione is responsible for the adult pattern of body hair in men and women.
anterior pituitary
Also called adenohypophysis. The front division of the pituitary gland; secretes tropic hormones. See Figures 5.1, 5.14, 5.15; Table 5.2. Compare posterior pituitary.
arginine vasopressin (AVP)
Also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or simply vasopressin. A peptide hormone from the posterior pituitary that promotes water conservation. See Table 5.2.
aromatase
An enzyme that converts many androgens into estrogens.
autocrine
Referring to a signal that is secreted by a cell into its environment and that feeds back to the same cell. See Figure 5.3. Compare paracrine.
autoradiography
A histological technique that shows the distribution of radioactive chemicals in tissues. See Boxes 2.1, 5.1.
castration
Removal of the gonads, usually the testes.
corpora lutea (sing. corpus luteum)
The structures formed from collapsed ovarian follicles subsequent to ovulation. The corpora lutea are a major source of progesterone.
cortisol
A glucocorticoid stress hormone of the adrenal cortex.
cretinism
Also called congenital hypothyroidism. Reduced stature and intellectual disability caused by thyroid deficiency during early development.
cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP, or cAMP)
A second messenger activated in target cells in response to synaptic or hormonal stimulation.
cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP, or cGMP)
A second messenger activated in target cells in response to synaptic or hormonal stimulation.
endocrine
Referring to glands that release chemicals to the interior of the body. These glands secrete the principal hormones. See Figure 5.3.
endocrine gland
A gland that secretes products into the bloodstream to act on distant targets. See Figure 5.1. Compare exocrine gland.
epinephrine
Also called adrenaline. A compound that acts both as a hormone (secreted by the adrenal medulla under the control of the sympathetic nervous system) and as a synaptic transmitter. See Tables 4.1, 5.1.
estradiol
Also called 17_-estradiol. The primary type of estrogen that is secreted by the ovary. See Table 5.2.