What is the Behavioral Activation System
*BAS - Left brain hemispheric activity marked by low to moderate autonomic arousal and a tendency to approach, which could characterize either happiness or anger.
What is the Behavioral Inhibition System
*BIS - Right brain hemispheric activity, which increases attention and arousal, inhibits action, and stimulates emotions such as fear and disgust
What is the James-Lange Theory
*Proposal that an event first evokes the autonomic arousal and skeletal responses and that the feeling aspect of emotion is the perception of those responses.
What is Limbic System
*Interlinked structures that form a border around the brainstem
What is a Panic Attack
*Period marked by extreme sympathetic nervous system arousal
What is a Pure Autonomic Failure
*Condition when output from the autonomic nervous system to the body fails
What is a Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis
*A set of neurons that connect to the amygdala
What are Benzodiazepines
*Anti-anxiety drugs
What is Receptor/*GABA a Receptor
*Receptor complex structure that includes a site that binds GABA as well as sites that modify the sensitivity of the GABA site
What is a 5-hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
*The main metabolite of serotonin
What is a Panic Disorder
*Condition marked by frequent periods of anxiety and rapid breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling
What is a Startle Reflex
*Response that one makes after a sudden, unexpected loud noise or similar sudden stimulus
What is Turnover
*Release and resythesis of a neurotransmitter
What is Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
*ACTH - Chemical released from the anterior pituitary glad which enhances metabolic activity and elavates blood sugar levels
What is an Antibody
*Y-shaped proteins that attach to particular kinds of antigens
What is an Antigen
*Surface proteins on a cell that identify the cell as your own
What is Behavioral Medicine
*field that includes the effects of diet, smoking, exercise, stressful expriences, and other behaviors on health
What is Cortisol
*Hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that elevates blood sugar and enhances metabolism
What are Cytokines
*Small proteins that combat infections and communicate with the brain to elicit appropriate behaviors
What is General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
*A generalized response to stress
What is the HPA Axis
*Circuit between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands
What is the Immune System
*Strucures that protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other intruders
What is a Leukocyte
*White blood cells
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
*A condition resulting from a severe traumatic experience, leading to long-lasting state of frequent recollections and nightmares about the event, avoidance of reminders of it, and exaggerated arousal
What is Psychoneuroimmunology
*Study of the ways in which experiences, especially stressful ones, alter the immune system and how the immune system influences the central nervous system
What is Stress
*The nonspecific responses of the body to any demand made upon it, also defined as events that are interpreted as threatening.
Chapter 11 Biological Psychology Terms
Activating effects
*Temporary effect of a hormone, which occurs at any time in life while the hormone is present
Alpha-fetoprotein
*A protein that binds with estradiol in the bloodstream of immature mammals
Androgens
*Testes-produced hormones that are more abundant in males
Androgen Insensitivity
*Testicular feminization – condition in which individuals with an XY chromosome pattern have the genital appearance of a female because their body cannot utilize androgens
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
*CAH – The overdevelopment of the adrenal glands from birth
Estradiol
*A hormone in the estrogen family
Estrogens
*Family of hormones that are more abundant in females
Follicle-stimulating Hormone
*FSH – Chemical released from the anterior pituitary; promotes the growth of ovarian follicles
Gender Identity
*The sex with which a person identifies
Hermaphrodite
*An individual who has a mixture of both male and female reproductive structures
Impotence
*The inability to have an erection
Intersex
*People whose sexual development is intermediate or ambiguous
Luteinizing Hormone
*Hormone released from the anterior pituitary that causes the follicle to release an ovum
Menstrual Cycle
*A periodic variation in hormones and fertility over the course of about 28 days
Müllerian Ducts
*Precursors to female internal structures; present in both genetic males and females
Organizing Effects
*Long-lasting effects of a hormone that are present during a sensitive period early in development
Oxytocin
*Hormone released by the posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviors.
Periovulatory Period
*Time around the middle of the menstrual cycle of maximum fertility and high estrogen levels
Progesterone
*Steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized ovum and promotes the maintenance of pregnancy
Sensitive Period
*Time early in development when experiences have a particularly strong and enduring influence
Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus
*Area in the anterior hypothalamus that is larger in males than in females and contributes to control of male sexual behaviors
Sexual Selection
*Tendency for a gene to spread in the population if it makes individuals more appealing to the opposite sex
SRY Gene
*Gene that causes the primitive gonads to develop into testes.
Steroid hormones
*Hormones that contain four carbon rings
Testicular Feminization
*Condition in which individuals with an XY chromosome pattern have the genital appearance of a female
Testosterone
*An androgen that is more prevalent in males than in females
Wolffian Ducts
*Precursors to male internal structures; present in both genetic males and females
*Temporary effect of a hormone, which occurs at any time in life while the hormone is present
Alpha-fetoprotein
*A protein that binds with estradiol in the bloodstream of immature mammals
Androgens
*Testes-produced hormones that are more abundant in males
Androgen Insensitivity
*Testicular feminization – condition in which individuals with an XY chromosome pattern have the genital appearance of a female because their body cannot utilize androgens
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
*CAH – The overdevelopment of the adrenal glands from birth
Estradiol
*A hormone in the estrogen family
Estrogens
*Family of hormones that are more abundant in females
Follicle-stimulating Hormone
*FSH – Chemical released from the anterior pituitary; promotes the growth of ovarian follicles
Gender Identity
*The sex with which a person identifies
Hermaphrodite
*An individual who has a mixture of both male and female reproductive structures
Impotence
*The inability to have an erection
Intersex
*People whose sexual development is intermediate or ambiguous
Luteinizing Hormone
*Hormone released from the anterior pituitary that causes the follicle to release an ovum
Menstrual Cycle
*A periodic variation in hormones and fertility over the course of about 28 days
Müllerian Ducts
*Precursors to female internal structures; present in both genetic males and females
Organizing Effects
*Long-lasting effects of a hormone that are present during a sensitive period early in development
Oxytocin
*Hormone released by the posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviors.
Periovulatory Period
*Time around the middle of the menstrual cycle of maximum fertility and high estrogen levels
Progesterone
*Steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized ovum and promotes the maintenance of pregnancy
Sensitive Period
*Time early in development when experiences have a particularly strong and enduring influence
Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus
*Area in the anterior hypothalamus that is larger in males than in females and contributes to control of male sexual behaviors
Sexual Selection
*Tendency for a gene to spread in the population if it makes individuals more appealing to the opposite sex
SRY Gene
*Gene that causes the primitive gonads to develop into testes.
Steroid hormones
*Hormones that contain four carbon rings
Testicular Feminization
*Condition in which individuals with an XY chromosome pattern have the genital appearance of a female
Testosterone
*An androgen that is more prevalent in males than in females
Wolffian Ducts
*Precursors to male internal structures; present in both genetic males and females
Chapter 09 Biological Psychology Terms
Alpha Waves
*A steady series of brain waves at a frequency of 8 to 12 per second that are characteristic of relaxation
Basal Forebrain
*Area anterior and dorsal to the hypothalamus; includes cell clusters that promote wakefulness and sleep
Brain Death
*Condition with no sign of brain activity and no response to any stimulus
Circadian Rhythms
*An internal biological clock; about 24 hours in humans
Coma
*An extended period of unconsciousness with a low level of brain activity
Insomnia
*Inadequate sleep
Jet lag
*A disruption of circadian rhythms due to crossing time zones
K-complex
*A sharp brain wave associated with temporary inhibition of neuronal firing
Locus Coeruleus
*A small structure in the pons that emits bursts of impulses in response to meaningful events, especially those that produce emotional arousal
Melatonin
*A hormone produced by the pineal gland that influences circadian rhythms
Narcolepsy
*A condition characterized by frequent periods of sleepiness during the day
Night Terrors
*Experiences of intense anxiety from which a person awakens screaming in terror; more severe than nightmares
Orexin
*Neurotransmitter that increases wakefulness and arousal
Paradoxical Sleep
*Sleep that is deep in some ways and light in others
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
*A sleep disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movement of the legs and sometimes the arms
PGO Waves
*A distinctive pattern of high-amplitude electrical potentials that occur first in the pons, then in the lateral geniculate, and then in the occipital cortex
Pineal Gland
*An endocrine gland located just posterior to the thalamus
Polysomnograph
*A combination of EEG and eye-movement records
Pontomesencephalon
*Part of the reticular formation that contributes to cortical arousal
REM Behavior Disorder
*A condition in which people move around vigorously during REM sleep
Reticular Formation
*A structure that extends from the medulla into the forebrain; controls motor area of the spinal cord and selectively increases arousal and attention in various forebrain areas
Sleep Apnea
*Impaired ability to breathe while sleeping
Sleep Spindle
*Brain waves in bursts that last at least half a second
Slow-Wave Sleep
*Stages 3 and 4 of sleep, which are characterized by slow, large-amplitude brain waves
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
*Part of the hypothalamus that provides the main control of circadian rhythms for sleep and body temperature
Vegetative State
*Condition in which someone has decreased brain activity and alternates between wakefulness and sleep but shows only limited responsiveness, such as increased heart rate in response to a painful stimulus
Zeitgeber
*A stimulus that resets the circadian rhythm
*A steady series of brain waves at a frequency of 8 to 12 per second that are characteristic of relaxation
Basal Forebrain
*Area anterior and dorsal to the hypothalamus; includes cell clusters that promote wakefulness and sleep
Brain Death
*Condition with no sign of brain activity and no response to any stimulus
Circadian Rhythms
*An internal biological clock; about 24 hours in humans
Coma
*An extended period of unconsciousness with a low level of brain activity
Insomnia
*Inadequate sleep
Jet lag
*A disruption of circadian rhythms due to crossing time zones
K-complex
*A sharp brain wave associated with temporary inhibition of neuronal firing
Locus Coeruleus
*A small structure in the pons that emits bursts of impulses in response to meaningful events, especially those that produce emotional arousal
Melatonin
*A hormone produced by the pineal gland that influences circadian rhythms
Narcolepsy
*A condition characterized by frequent periods of sleepiness during the day
Night Terrors
*Experiences of intense anxiety from which a person awakens screaming in terror; more severe than nightmares
Orexin
*Neurotransmitter that increases wakefulness and arousal
Paradoxical Sleep
*Sleep that is deep in some ways and light in others
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
*A sleep disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movement of the legs and sometimes the arms
PGO Waves
*A distinctive pattern of high-amplitude electrical potentials that occur first in the pons, then in the lateral geniculate, and then in the occipital cortex
Pineal Gland
*An endocrine gland located just posterior to the thalamus
Polysomnograph
*A combination of EEG and eye-movement records
Pontomesencephalon
*Part of the reticular formation that contributes to cortical arousal
REM Behavior Disorder
*A condition in which people move around vigorously during REM sleep
Reticular Formation
*A structure that extends from the medulla into the forebrain; controls motor area of the spinal cord and selectively increases arousal and attention in various forebrain areas
Sleep Apnea
*Impaired ability to breathe while sleeping
Sleep Spindle
*Brain waves in bursts that last at least half a second
Slow-Wave Sleep
*Stages 3 and 4 of sleep, which are characterized by slow, large-amplitude brain waves
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
*Part of the hypothalamus that provides the main control of circadian rhythms for sleep and body temperature
Vegetative State
*Condition in which someone has decreased brain activity and alternates between wakefulness and sleep but shows only limited responsiveness, such as increased heart rate in response to a painful stimulus
Zeitgeber
*A stimulus that resets the circadian rhythm
Chapter 07 Biological Psychology Terms
Somatosensation
*the skin sensations: touch/pressure, warmth, cold, and pain.
Pacinian Corpuscle
*The prototype touch receptor; detects sudden displacement or high frequency vibrations on skin.
Pacinian Corpuscle Potential Strength
*When the potential is big enough the receptor reaches threshold and generates and AP
Adaptation
*The progressive loss of response to a maintained stimulus. Key for representing changes in ones Environment*
Tonic receptors
*Show slow or no decline in action potential frequency
Phasic Receptors
*Display adaptation and decrease frequency of AP's
Sensory Adaptations
*Include Tonic Receptors, and Phasic Receptors
2 Mechanisms for Detecting changes in intensity of Stimulation
*Changes in AP frequency in single neurons; Different populations of neurons that respond to different levels of intensity.
4 Tactile Touch Receptors in the skin
Pacinian Corpuscle- Vibration,fast adapting
Meissner's Corpuscle-touch,fast-adapting
Merkel's Discs-Touch,slow-adapting
Ruffini's ending-stretch, slow adapting
Primary somatosensory cortex (S1)
*Receives touch information form the opposite side of the body
Secondary somatosensory cortex (S2)
*Maps both sides of the body
Somatosensory Pathways
*Information from touch receptors in the head enter CNS through Cranial nerves
Information from receptors below head enter spinal cord and travel thru 31 spinal nerves to the brain
Somatosensory information
*Ascends ipsilaterally in the dorsal column system
Dermartome
*Refers to the skin area connected to or innervated by a single sensory spinal nerve
Pain
*Discomfort normally associated with tissue damage. Conveyed by activation of receptors on free nerve endings
Nociceptors
*name of sensory receptors that convey pain-related information
TRPV1
*Conveys Pain information relevant to heat
Cold and Hot
-Found in unmyelinated fibers "C Fibers"
Capsaicin
*molecule in chili peppers that activates this class of receptors
TRPV2
*Detects hotter temperatures than TRPV1
Really Hot
-Found on large myelinated nerve fiber
"A Delta"
SCN9 gene
*Encodes a NA+ on nociceptors, people with a defect in this gene can not feel pain
Pain Pathways
Ascend in the spinothalamic tract
Periaqueductal gray area (PAG)
*Midbrain structure that exerts descending inhibitory control over afferent pain pathways
PAG releases -substance P in afferent pathways
Endorphins
*Group of endogenous peptides that activate opiate receptors. (enkephalin, dynorphin)
Gate Control Theory of Pain
*Melzack and Wall (1965)
Incoming pain information can be blocked at the level of the spinal cord from descending paths from the PAG
Placebo
*Drug or other procedure with no pharmacological effect.
Placebos decrease pain perceptions by activating emotional response systems.
Cannabinoids
*Chemicals related to marijuana that are believed to block pain perceptions
Chemodetection
*Taste and Smell
5 Taste Receptors
*Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Unami- (Meaty)
Papillae
*On tongue contains 50-150 taste receptor cells per bud. Taste cells constantly replace
3 Types of Papillae
*Foliate, fungiform, vallate
Taste
*Salty-Na+ is transported across cell membrane via channels leading to depolarization
Sour-Acid (H+)sensitive receptors block K+ channels and induce depolarization by preventing K+ outflow
Sweet- Detected by combination of two members of taste receptor family
Supertasters
*Have higher sensitivity to all taste and mouth sensations
Olfaction
*Sense of smell
Olfactory receptors
*Nerve endings that act as the receptors for the sense of smell
Memory
*The retention of information.
Primacy Effect
*The tendency to remember the first items well.
Recency Effect
*The tendency to remember the last items well.
Free Recall
*To produce a response.
ex. essay or short answer tests.
Cued Recall
*Recieving significant hints about the material.
Recognition
*Several choices, and choosing the correct response.
ex. multiple choice tests.
Savings Method
*aka. relearning method.
Detects memory by comparing the speed of original learning to the speed of relearning.
Explicit Memory
*aka. direct memory
Someone who states an answer regards it as a product of his or her memory.
Implicit Memory
*aka. indirect memory
An experience influences what you say or do even though you might not be aware of the influence
ex. The taxidermy/zoo video
Primes
*Reading or hearing a word temporarily primes that word and increases the chance you will use it yourself.
Procedural Memories
*Memories of motor skills.
Declaritive Memories
*Memories we can readily state in words.
Information- Processing Model
*Information that enters the system is processed, coded, and stored.
Sensory Store
*Momentary storage of sensory information.
Short-Term Memory
*Temporary storage of recent events.
Long-Term Memory
*A relatively permanent store.
Semantic Memory
*Memory of general principles and facts.
Episodic Memory
*Memory for specific events in a person's life.
Source Amnesia
*Forgetting where or how you learned something.
Chunking
*Grouping items into meaningful sequences or clusters.
Retrieval Cues
*Associated information that might help you regain the memory.
Consalidate
*Converting a short- term memory into a long- term memory.
Working Memory
*A system for working with current information.
*the skin sensations: touch/pressure, warmth, cold, and pain.
Pacinian Corpuscle
*The prototype touch receptor; detects sudden displacement or high frequency vibrations on skin.
Pacinian Corpuscle Potential Strength
*When the potential is big enough the receptor reaches threshold and generates and AP
Adaptation
*The progressive loss of response to a maintained stimulus. Key for representing changes in ones Environment*
Tonic receptors
*Show slow or no decline in action potential frequency
Phasic Receptors
*Display adaptation and decrease frequency of AP's
Sensory Adaptations
*Include Tonic Receptors, and Phasic Receptors
2 Mechanisms for Detecting changes in intensity of Stimulation
*Changes in AP frequency in single neurons; Different populations of neurons that respond to different levels of intensity.
4 Tactile Touch Receptors in the skin
Pacinian Corpuscle- Vibration,fast adapting
Meissner's Corpuscle-touch,fast-adapting
Merkel's Discs-Touch,slow-adapting
Ruffini's ending-stretch, slow adapting
Primary somatosensory cortex (S1)
*Receives touch information form the opposite side of the body
Secondary somatosensory cortex (S2)
*Maps both sides of the body
Somatosensory Pathways
*Information from touch receptors in the head enter CNS through Cranial nerves
Information from receptors below head enter spinal cord and travel thru 31 spinal nerves to the brain
Somatosensory information
*Ascends ipsilaterally in the dorsal column system
Dermartome
*Refers to the skin area connected to or innervated by a single sensory spinal nerve
Pain
*Discomfort normally associated with tissue damage. Conveyed by activation of receptors on free nerve endings
Nociceptors
*name of sensory receptors that convey pain-related information
TRPV1
*Conveys Pain information relevant to heat
Cold and Hot
-Found in unmyelinated fibers "C Fibers"
Capsaicin
*molecule in chili peppers that activates this class of receptors
TRPV2
*Detects hotter temperatures than TRPV1
Really Hot
-Found on large myelinated nerve fiber
"A Delta"
SCN9 gene
*Encodes a NA+ on nociceptors, people with a defect in this gene can not feel pain
Pain Pathways
Ascend in the spinothalamic tract
Periaqueductal gray area (PAG)
*Midbrain structure that exerts descending inhibitory control over afferent pain pathways
PAG releases -substance P in afferent pathways
Endorphins
*Group of endogenous peptides that activate opiate receptors. (enkephalin, dynorphin)
Gate Control Theory of Pain
*Melzack and Wall (1965)
Incoming pain information can be blocked at the level of the spinal cord from descending paths from the PAG
Placebo
*Drug or other procedure with no pharmacological effect.
Placebos decrease pain perceptions by activating emotional response systems.
Cannabinoids
*Chemicals related to marijuana that are believed to block pain perceptions
Chemodetection
*Taste and Smell
5 Taste Receptors
*Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Unami- (Meaty)
Papillae
*On tongue contains 50-150 taste receptor cells per bud. Taste cells constantly replace
3 Types of Papillae
*Foliate, fungiform, vallate
Taste
*Salty-Na+ is transported across cell membrane via channels leading to depolarization
Sour-Acid (H+)sensitive receptors block K+ channels and induce depolarization by preventing K+ outflow
Sweet- Detected by combination of two members of taste receptor family
Supertasters
*Have higher sensitivity to all taste and mouth sensations
Olfaction
*Sense of smell
Olfactory receptors
*Nerve endings that act as the receptors for the sense of smell
Memory
*The retention of information.
Primacy Effect
*The tendency to remember the first items well.
Recency Effect
*The tendency to remember the last items well.
Free Recall
*To produce a response.
ex. essay or short answer tests.
Cued Recall
*Recieving significant hints about the material.
Recognition
*Several choices, and choosing the correct response.
ex. multiple choice tests.
Savings Method
*aka. relearning method.
Detects memory by comparing the speed of original learning to the speed of relearning.
Explicit Memory
*aka. direct memory
Someone who states an answer regards it as a product of his or her memory.
Implicit Memory
*aka. indirect memory
An experience influences what you say or do even though you might not be aware of the influence
ex. The taxidermy/zoo video
Primes
*Reading or hearing a word temporarily primes that word and increases the chance you will use it yourself.
Procedural Memories
*Memories of motor skills.
Declaritive Memories
*Memories we can readily state in words.
Information- Processing Model
*Information that enters the system is processed, coded, and stored.
Sensory Store
*Momentary storage of sensory information.
Short-Term Memory
*Temporary storage of recent events.
Long-Term Memory
*A relatively permanent store.
Semantic Memory
*Memory of general principles and facts.
Episodic Memory
*Memory for specific events in a person's life.
Source Amnesia
*Forgetting where or how you learned something.
Chunking
*Grouping items into meaningful sequences or clusters.
Retrieval Cues
*Associated information that might help you regain the memory.
Consalidate
*Converting a short- term memory into a long- term memory.
Working Memory
*A system for working with current information.
Chapter 06 Biological Psychology Terms
Astigmatism
*A decreased responsiveness to one kind of line or another, caused by an asymmetric curvature of the eyes.
Bipolar Cells
*Type of cell in the retina that receives input directly from the receptors.
Blind Spot
*Area at the back of the retina where the optic nerve exists; it is devoid of receptors.
Binocular
*Stimulation from both eyes.
Blindsight
*The ability to respond in limited ways to visual information without perceiving it consciously.
Color Constancy
*The ability to recognize colors despite changes in lighting.
Complex Cells
*A type of cell in areas V1 and V2 that responds to a pattern of light in a particular orientation anywhere within its large receptive field.
Color Vision Deficiency
*Inability to perceive color differences.
Cones
*Type of retinal receptor that contributes to color perception.
Dorsal Stream
*Visual path in the parietal cortex that helps the motor system locate objects; the “where” path.
Feature Detectors
*Neurons whose responses indicate the presence of a particular feature.
Fovea
*A tiny area of the retina specialized for acute, detailed vision.
Fusiform Gyrus
*Brain area of the inferior temporal cortex that recognizes faces.
Ganglion Cells
*Type of neuron in the retina that receives input from bipolar cells.
Horizontal Cells
*Type of retinal cell that receives input from receptors and delivers inhibitory input to bipolar cells.
Inferior Temporal Cortex
*Portion of the cortex where neurons are highly sensitive to complex aspects of the shape of visual stimuli within very large receptive fields.
Koniocellular Neurons
*Small ganglion cells that occur throughout the retina.
Law of Specific Nerve Energies
*Statement that whatever excites a particular nerve always sends the same kind of information to the brain.
Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
*Thalamic nucleus that receives incoming visual information.
Lateral Inhibition
*The reduction of activity in one neuron by activity in neighboring neurons.
Magnocellular neurons
*Large cell bodies with large receptive fields that are distributed evenly throughout the retina.
Opponent-process Theory
*Idea that we perceive color in terms of opposites.
MST
*Middle Superior Temporal Cortex
MT
*Middle Temporal Cortex – area of the brain that detects moving objects.
Parvocellular Neurons
*Small cell bodies with small receptive fields in or near the fovea.
Primary Visual Cortex
*Area VI – Area of the cortex responsible for the first stage of visual processing.
Photopigments
*Chemicals contained in rods and cones that release energy when struck by light.
Prosopagnosia
*The inability to recognize faces due to damage of several brain areas.
Pupil
*An opening in the center of the iris where light enters.
Retina
*The rear surface of the eye, which is lined with visual receptors.
Retinex Theory
*Concept that the cortex compares information from various parts of the retina to determine the brightness and color for each area.
Rods
*Type of retinal receptor that detects brightness of light.
Receptive Field
*The area in visual space that excites or inhibits any neuron.
Retinal Disparity
*The discrepancy between what the left and right eyes see.
Saccade
*Voluntary eye movements.
Secondary Visual Cortex
*Area V2 – Area of the brain that processes information from the primary visual cortex and transmits it to additional areas.
Sensitive Period
*Time early in development when experiences have a particularly strong and enduring influence.
Simple Cell
*Type of visual cortex cell that has a receptive field with fixed excitatory and inhibitory zones.
Strabismus
*A condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction.
Trichromatic Theory
*Theory that color is perceived through the relative rates of responses by three kinds of cones, each one maximally sensitive to a different set of wavelengths.
Ventral Stream
*Visual paths in the temporal cortex that are specialized for identifying and recognizing objects; the “what” path.
Visual Agnosia
*An inability to recognize objects despite otherwise satisfactory vision.
Visual Field
*Area of the world that an individual can see at any time.
*A decreased responsiveness to one kind of line or another, caused by an asymmetric curvature of the eyes.
Bipolar Cells
*Type of cell in the retina that receives input directly from the receptors.
Blind Spot
*Area at the back of the retina where the optic nerve exists; it is devoid of receptors.
Binocular
*Stimulation from both eyes.
Blindsight
*The ability to respond in limited ways to visual information without perceiving it consciously.
Color Constancy
*The ability to recognize colors despite changes in lighting.
Complex Cells
*A type of cell in areas V1 and V2 that responds to a pattern of light in a particular orientation anywhere within its large receptive field.
Color Vision Deficiency
*Inability to perceive color differences.
Cones
*Type of retinal receptor that contributes to color perception.
Dorsal Stream
*Visual path in the parietal cortex that helps the motor system locate objects; the “where” path.
Feature Detectors
*Neurons whose responses indicate the presence of a particular feature.
Fovea
*A tiny area of the retina specialized for acute, detailed vision.
Fusiform Gyrus
*Brain area of the inferior temporal cortex that recognizes faces.
Ganglion Cells
*Type of neuron in the retina that receives input from bipolar cells.
Horizontal Cells
*Type of retinal cell that receives input from receptors and delivers inhibitory input to bipolar cells.
Inferior Temporal Cortex
*Portion of the cortex where neurons are highly sensitive to complex aspects of the shape of visual stimuli within very large receptive fields.
Koniocellular Neurons
*Small ganglion cells that occur throughout the retina.
Law of Specific Nerve Energies
*Statement that whatever excites a particular nerve always sends the same kind of information to the brain.
Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
*Thalamic nucleus that receives incoming visual information.
Lateral Inhibition
*The reduction of activity in one neuron by activity in neighboring neurons.
Magnocellular neurons
*Large cell bodies with large receptive fields that are distributed evenly throughout the retina.
Opponent-process Theory
*Idea that we perceive color in terms of opposites.
MST
*Middle Superior Temporal Cortex
MT
*Middle Temporal Cortex – area of the brain that detects moving objects.
Parvocellular Neurons
*Small cell bodies with small receptive fields in or near the fovea.
Primary Visual Cortex
*Area VI – Area of the cortex responsible for the first stage of visual processing.
Photopigments
*Chemicals contained in rods and cones that release energy when struck by light.
Prosopagnosia
*The inability to recognize faces due to damage of several brain areas.
Pupil
*An opening in the center of the iris where light enters.
Retina
*The rear surface of the eye, which is lined with visual receptors.
Retinex Theory
*Concept that the cortex compares information from various parts of the retina to determine the brightness and color for each area.
Rods
*Type of retinal receptor that detects brightness of light.
Receptive Field
*The area in visual space that excites or inhibits any neuron.
Retinal Disparity
*The discrepancy between what the left and right eyes see.
Saccade
*Voluntary eye movements.
Secondary Visual Cortex
*Area V2 – Area of the brain that processes information from the primary visual cortex and transmits it to additional areas.
Sensitive Period
*Time early in development when experiences have a particularly strong and enduring influence.
Simple Cell
*Type of visual cortex cell that has a receptive field with fixed excitatory and inhibitory zones.
Strabismus
*A condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction.
Trichromatic Theory
*Theory that color is perceived through the relative rates of responses by three kinds of cones, each one maximally sensitive to a different set of wavelengths.
Ventral Stream
*Visual paths in the temporal cortex that are specialized for identifying and recognizing objects; the “what” path.
Visual Agnosia
*An inability to recognize objects despite otherwise satisfactory vision.
Visual Field
*Area of the world that an individual can see at any time.
Chapter 05 Biological Psychology Terms
Apoptosis
*A programmed mechanism of cell death.
Cerebrovascular Accident
*A stroke
Closed Head Injury
*A result of a sharp blow to the head that does not puncture the brain.
Collateral Sprouts
*Newly formed branches of an axon.
Deafferent
*To remove or disable the sensory nerves from a body part.
Denervation Supersensitivity
*Receptor supersensitivity – increased sensitivity to neurotransmitters by a postsynaptic neuron after loss of input.
Diaschisis
*Decreased activity of surviving brain neurons after damage to other neurons.
Edema
*Accumulation of fluid.
Hemorrhage
*A type of stroke resulting from a ruptured artery.
Differentiation
*The process of developing axons and dendrites.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
*A condition resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol; marked by hyperactivity, decreased alertness, facial abnormalities, and varying degrees of mental retardation.
Focal Hand Dystonia
*A disorder where one or more fingers are in constant contraction or where moving one finger independent of other is difficult.
Migration
*Movement of neurons or glia from one location to another.
Myelination
*Process by which glia produce the insulating fatty sheath that accelerates transmission in many vertebrate axons.
Nerve Growth Factor
*A protein that promotes the survival and growth of axons in the sympathetic nervous system and certain axons in the brain.
Neural Darwinism
*Principle of competition among neurons.
Neurotrophin
*A chemical that promotes the survival and activity of neurons.
Ischemia
*Type of stroke resulting from a blood clot or other obstruction in an artery.
Phantom Limb
*A continuing sensation of an amputated body part.
Proliferation
*Production of new cells.
Stem Cells
*Undifferentiated cells that divide and produce daughter cells that develop more specialized properties.
Synaptogenesis
*The formation of new synapses.
Stroke
*A temporary loss of normal blood flow to a brain area.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator
*tPA – A drug that breaks up blood clots.
*A programmed mechanism of cell death.
Cerebrovascular Accident
*A stroke
Closed Head Injury
*A result of a sharp blow to the head that does not puncture the brain.
Collateral Sprouts
*Newly formed branches of an axon.
Deafferent
*To remove or disable the sensory nerves from a body part.
Denervation Supersensitivity
*Receptor supersensitivity – increased sensitivity to neurotransmitters by a postsynaptic neuron after loss of input.
Diaschisis
*Decreased activity of surviving brain neurons after damage to other neurons.
Edema
*Accumulation of fluid.
Hemorrhage
*A type of stroke resulting from a ruptured artery.
Differentiation
*The process of developing axons and dendrites.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
*A condition resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol; marked by hyperactivity, decreased alertness, facial abnormalities, and varying degrees of mental retardation.
Focal Hand Dystonia
*A disorder where one or more fingers are in constant contraction or where moving one finger independent of other is difficult.
Migration
*Movement of neurons or glia from one location to another.
Myelination
*Process by which glia produce the insulating fatty sheath that accelerates transmission in many vertebrate axons.
Nerve Growth Factor
*A protein that promotes the survival and growth of axons in the sympathetic nervous system and certain axons in the brain.
Neural Darwinism
*Principle of competition among neurons.
Neurotrophin
*A chemical that promotes the survival and activity of neurons.
Ischemia
*Type of stroke resulting from a blood clot or other obstruction in an artery.
Phantom Limb
*A continuing sensation of an amputated body part.
Proliferation
*Production of new cells.
Stem Cells
*Undifferentiated cells that divide and produce daughter cells that develop more specialized properties.
Synaptogenesis
*The formation of new synapses.
Stroke
*A temporary loss of normal blood flow to a brain area.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator
*tPA – A drug that breaks up blood clots.
Chapter 04 Biological Psychology Terms
Autonomic Nervous System
*Part of the PNS that controls the heart, intestines, and other organs.
Basal Ganglia
*A group of subcortical forebrain structures lateral to the thalamus; involved in movement
Bell-Magendie law
*The concept that the entering dorsal roots carry sensory information and the exiting ventral roots carry motor information.
Brainstem
*Consists of the medulla, pons, midbrain, and central structures of the forebrain.
Central canal
*A fluid-filled channel in the center of the spinal cord.
Central Nervous System
*CNS – The brain and spinal cord
Cerebellum
*A large hindbrain structure important in the control of movement, balance, coordination, timing, and attention.
Cerebral cortex
*A layer of cells on the outer surface of the cerebral hemispheres.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
*A clear fluid similar to blood plasma produced by choroid plexus in the brain ventricles.
Corpus Callosum
*Large bundle of axons that connect the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex.
Cranial nerves
Nerves that control sensations from the head, muscle movements of the head, and much of the *parasympathetic output to the organs.
Dorsal
*Located toward the back.
Dorsal root ganglia
*Clusters of sensory neurons outside the spinal cord.
Forebrain
*The most anterior part of the brain; consists of the two cerebral hemispheres.
Frontal Cortex
*Anterior part of the cortex important in voluntary movement.
Gray matter
*Areas of the nervous system that are densely packed with cell bodies and dendrites.
Hindbrain
*The posterior part of the brain.
Hippocampus
*A large structure located toward the posterior of the forebrain; important in memory.
Hypothalamus
*A collection of nuclei beneath the thalamus; important in basic functions such as thirst, hunger, reproductive behaviors, etc.
Inferior colliculus
*A swelling on each side of the tectum; important for auditory processing.
Limbic system
*Interlinked structures that form a border around the brainstem; important in emotional behaviors.
Medulla
*Hindbrain structure located just above the spinal cord
Meninges
*Membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Midbrain
*Middle part of the brain
Neuroanatomy
*The structure of the nervous system
Nucleus basalis
*A forebrain structure that lies on the ventral surface; receives input from the hypothalamus and basal ganglia; sends axons to areas of the cerebral cortex
Occipital lobe
*Posterior part of cortex important in processing vision.
Parasympathetic nervous system
*System of nerves that facilitate vegetative, nonemergency responses by the body’s organs
Parietal lobe
*Area of cortex between frontal and temporal lobe; important in processing somatosensory information and attention.
Peripheral nervous system
*PNS – nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Pons
*Hindbrain structure that lies anterior and ventral to the medulla
Prefrontal lobe
*Anterior portion of the frontal lobe; processes complex functions
Raphe system
*Brain areas that send axons to much of the forebrain, modifying the brain’s readiness to respond to stimuli
Reticular formation
*A structure that extends from the medulla into the forebrain; controls motor areas of the spinal cord and selectively increases arousal and attention in forebrain areas
Somatic nervous system
*Part of the PNS that consists of the axons conveying messages from the sense organs to the CNS and from the CNS to the muscles
Spinal cord
*Part of the CNS; it communicates with all of the sense organs and muscles except those of the head
Substantia nigra
*A midbrain structure that gives rise to a pathway releasing dopamine
Superior colliculus
*Swelling on either side of the tectum; important to visual processing
Sympathetic nervous system
*A network of nerves that prepare the organs for vigorous activity
Tectum
*Roof of the midbrain
Tegmentum
*Intermediate level of the midbrain
Temporal lobe
*The lateral portion of the hemispheres; important in processing auditory information and complex visual information
Thalamus
*A pair of structures in the center of the forebrain; important in relaying sensory information to other areas of the brain
Ventral
*Toward the stomach
Ventricles
*Four fluid-filled cavities within the brain
White matter
*Areas of the nervous system consisting mostly of myelinated axons
Chapter 03 Biological Psychology Terms
Agonist
*A drug that increases activity at a synapse
Antagonist
*A drug that decreases activity at a synapse
Acetylcholine
*A major neurotransmitter
Acetylcholinesterase
*An enzyme important in the breakdown of acetylcholine
Amino Acids
*Group of neurotransmitters that includes glutamate, GABA, glycine and aspartate
Anterior Pituitary
*Portion of the pituitary gland, composed of glandular tissue
Autoreceptors
*Receptors that respond to the released transmitter by inhibiting further synthesis and release
Catecholamines
*Group of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine
COMT
*Enzyme that breaks down excess dopamine into inactive chemicals that cannot stimulate the dopamine receptors
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential
*EPSP – Graded depolarization that increases the likelihood of an action potential
Endocrine Glands
*Hormone producing glands
Exocytosis
*Release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft
Gap Junction
*A direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmission
Hormone
*A chemical that is secreted by cells in one part of the body and conveyed by the blood to influence other cells
Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential
*IPSP – Temporary hyperpolarization of a membrane that decreases the likelihood of an action potential
Iontotropic Effects
*Synaptic effects that depend on the rapid opening of some kind of gate in the membrane
Ligand-gated Channel
*Channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches
MAO
*Monoamine oxidase – An enzyme that converts catecholamines and serotonin into synaptically inactive forms
Metabotropic Effects
*A sequence of metabolic reactions that produce slow and long-lasting effects at a synapse
Monoamines
*Chemicals formed by a change in certain amino acids
Neurogliaform Cell
*A kind of neuron that releases huge amounts of GABA all at once, producing widespread inhibition
Neuromodulators
*Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides
*Chains of amino acids released by dendrites and cell body
Neurotransmitters
*Chemicals released by neurons that affect other neurons
Nitric Oxide
*A gas neurotransmitter released by many small local neurons
Oxytocin
*A hormone released by the posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviors
Peptide Hormones
*Hormones composed of short chains of amino acids
Pituitary Gland
*An endocrine gland attached to the base of the hypothalamus
Postsynaptic Neuron
*Neuron that receives transmission from another neuron
Presynaptic Neuron
*Neuron that sends transmission to another neuron
Posterior Pituitary
*Portion of the pituitary gland which releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus
Protein Hormones
*Hormones composed of long chains of amino acids
Purines
*A category of chemicals including adenosine and several of its derivatives
Reflex Arc
*A circuit from sensory neuron to muscle response
Reflexes
*Automatic muscular responses to stimuli
Releasing Hormones
*Hormone released by the hypothalamus that flows through the blood to the anterior pituitary, causing the pituitary to release particular hormones
Reuptake
*Reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the presynaptic terminal
Spatial Summation
*Combination of effects of activity from two or more synapses onto a single neuron
Spontaneous Firing Rate
*The periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input
Second Messenger
*A chemical that, when activated by a neurotransmitter, initiates communication to many areas within the neuron
Synapse
*A specialized gap as a point of communication between two neurons
Temporal Summation
*The cumulative effect of repeated stimuli within a brief time frame
Transmitter-gated Channels
*An ion channel that opens temporarily when a neurotransmitter binds to it
Transporters
*Special membrane protein where reuptake occurs of the neurotransmitter
Vasopressin
*Antidiuretic hormone released by posterior pituitary; raises blood pressure and enables kidneys to conserve water
Vesicles
*Tiny packets filed with neurotransmitter molecules
*A drug that increases activity at a synapse
Antagonist
*A drug that decreases activity at a synapse
Acetylcholine
*A major neurotransmitter
Acetylcholinesterase
*An enzyme important in the breakdown of acetylcholine
Amino Acids
*Group of neurotransmitters that includes glutamate, GABA, glycine and aspartate
Anterior Pituitary
*Portion of the pituitary gland, composed of glandular tissue
Autoreceptors
*Receptors that respond to the released transmitter by inhibiting further synthesis and release
Catecholamines
*Group of neurotransmitters that includes dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine
COMT
*Enzyme that breaks down excess dopamine into inactive chemicals that cannot stimulate the dopamine receptors
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential
*EPSP – Graded depolarization that increases the likelihood of an action potential
Endocrine Glands
*Hormone producing glands
Exocytosis
*Release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft
Gap Junction
*A direct contact of one neuron with another, enabling electrical transmission
Hormone
*A chemical that is secreted by cells in one part of the body and conveyed by the blood to influence other cells
Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential
*IPSP – Temporary hyperpolarization of a membrane that decreases the likelihood of an action potential
Iontotropic Effects
*Synaptic effects that depend on the rapid opening of some kind of gate in the membrane
Ligand-gated Channel
*Channel that opens when a neurotransmitter attaches
MAO
*Monoamine oxidase – An enzyme that converts catecholamines and serotonin into synaptically inactive forms
Metabotropic Effects
*A sequence of metabolic reactions that produce slow and long-lasting effects at a synapse
Monoamines
*Chemicals formed by a change in certain amino acids
Neurogliaform Cell
*A kind of neuron that releases huge amounts of GABA all at once, producing widespread inhibition
Neuromodulators
*Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides
*Chains of amino acids released by dendrites and cell body
Neurotransmitters
*Chemicals released by neurons that affect other neurons
Nitric Oxide
*A gas neurotransmitter released by many small local neurons
Oxytocin
*A hormone released by the posterior pituitary; important for sexual and parental behaviors
Peptide Hormones
*Hormones composed of short chains of amino acids
Pituitary Gland
*An endocrine gland attached to the base of the hypothalamus
Postsynaptic Neuron
*Neuron that receives transmission from another neuron
Presynaptic Neuron
*Neuron that sends transmission to another neuron
Posterior Pituitary
*Portion of the pituitary gland which releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus
Protein Hormones
*Hormones composed of long chains of amino acids
Purines
*A category of chemicals including adenosine and several of its derivatives
Reflex Arc
*A circuit from sensory neuron to muscle response
Reflexes
*Automatic muscular responses to stimuli
Releasing Hormones
*Hormone released by the hypothalamus that flows through the blood to the anterior pituitary, causing the pituitary to release particular hormones
Reuptake
*Reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the presynaptic terminal
Spatial Summation
*Combination of effects of activity from two or more synapses onto a single neuron
Spontaneous Firing Rate
*The periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input
Second Messenger
*A chemical that, when activated by a neurotransmitter, initiates communication to many areas within the neuron
Synapse
*A specialized gap as a point of communication between two neurons
Temporal Summation
*The cumulative effect of repeated stimuli within a brief time frame
Transmitter-gated Channels
*An ion channel that opens temporarily when a neurotransmitter binds to it
Transporters
*Special membrane protein where reuptake occurs of the neurotransmitter
Vasopressin
*Antidiuretic hormone released by posterior pituitary; raises blood pressure and enables kidneys to conserve water
Vesicles
*Tiny packets filed with neurotransmitter molecules
Chapter 02 Biological Psychology Terms
Active Transport
*A protein- mediated process that expends energy to enable a molecule to cross a cell membrane
Afferent Axon
*Axon that brings information into a structure
Astrocytes
*Star-shaped glia that synchronize the activity of axons
Axon
*Thin fiber extending from the neuron cell body that sends signals to other neurons
Absolute refractory period
*A time when the membrane is unable to produce an action potential
Action potential
*Messages sent by axons
All-or-none law
*Principle that the amplitude and velocity of an action potential are independent of the stimulus that initiated it
Axon hillock
*A swelling where the axon emerges from the cell body
Blood-brain Barrier
*Mechanism that excludes most chemicals from entering the brain
Cell Body
*Structure containing the nucleus, ribosomes, and mitochondria
Concentration gradient
*Difference in distribution of ions across the neuron’s membrane
Dendrites
*Branching fibers of a neuron that receive information from other neurons
Dendritic Spines
*Short outgrowths that increase the surface area available for synapses
Depolarize
*To reduce polarization towards zero across a membrane
Efferent Axon
*Axon that carries information away from a structure
Electrical gradient
*Difference in electrical charges between the inside and outside of the cell
Graded potentials
*A membrane potential that varies in magnitude in proportion to the intensity of the stimulus
Glia
*Type of cell in the nervous system that, in contrast to neurons, does not conduct impulses over long distances
Glucose
*A simple sugar
Hyperpolarization
*Increased polarization across a membrane
Interneuron
*A neuron whose axons and dendrites are all confined within a given structure. Also called an intrinsic neuron
Local anesthetic
*Drug that attach to the sodium channels of the membrane, stopping action potentials
Local neurons
*Neurons without an axon
Microglia
*Glial cells that remove waste material and other microorganisms from the nervous system
Motor Neuron
*Neuron that receives excitation from other neurons and conducts impulses to a muscle
Myelin Sheath
*Insulating material that covers vertebrate axons
Myelin
*An insulating material composed of fats and proteins
Myelinated axons
*Insulating material that covers vertebrate axons
Neurons
*Cells in the nervous system that receive information and transmit it to other cells
Nodes of Ranvier
*Interruptions in the myelin sheath of vertebrate neurons
Oligodendrocytes
*Glial cells that form myelin sheaths (CNS)
Presynaptic Terminal
*End bulb of axon that releases neurotransmitters
Polarization
*Same as an electrical gradient
Propagation of the action potential
*Transmission of an action potential down an axon
Radial Glia
*Cells that guide the migration of neurons and the growth of axons and dendrites during embryological development
Refractory period
*Time when the cell resists the production of further action potentials
Relative refractory period
*Time after the absolute refractory period that requires a stronger stimulus to initiate an action potential
Resting potential
*The potential across the membrane at rest
Salutatory conduction
*The jumping of action potentials from node to node
Selective permeability
*Ability of some chemicals to pass more freely than others through a membrane
Schwann Cells
*Glial cells that form the myelin sheath in the PNS
Sensory Neuron
*Neuron that is highly sensitive to a specific type of energy (light, sound, etc)
Sodium-potassium pump
*Mechanism that actively transports sodium ions out of the cell while drawing in two potassium ions
Threshold
*Minimum amount of membrane depolarization necessary to trigger an action potential
Voltage-gated channels
*Membrane channel whose permeability to sodium (or some other ion) depends on the voltage difference across the membrane
*A protein- mediated process that expends energy to enable a molecule to cross a cell membrane
Afferent Axon
*Axon that brings information into a structure
Astrocytes
*Star-shaped glia that synchronize the activity of axons
Axon
*Thin fiber extending from the neuron cell body that sends signals to other neurons
Absolute refractory period
*A time when the membrane is unable to produce an action potential
Action potential
*Messages sent by axons
All-or-none law
*Principle that the amplitude and velocity of an action potential are independent of the stimulus that initiated it
Axon hillock
*A swelling where the axon emerges from the cell body
Blood-brain Barrier
*Mechanism that excludes most chemicals from entering the brain
Cell Body
*Structure containing the nucleus, ribosomes, and mitochondria
Concentration gradient
*Difference in distribution of ions across the neuron’s membrane
Dendrites
*Branching fibers of a neuron that receive information from other neurons
Dendritic Spines
*Short outgrowths that increase the surface area available for synapses
Depolarize
*To reduce polarization towards zero across a membrane
Efferent Axon
*Axon that carries information away from a structure
Electrical gradient
*Difference in electrical charges between the inside and outside of the cell
Graded potentials
*A membrane potential that varies in magnitude in proportion to the intensity of the stimulus
Glia
*Type of cell in the nervous system that, in contrast to neurons, does not conduct impulses over long distances
Glucose
*A simple sugar
Hyperpolarization
*Increased polarization across a membrane
Interneuron
*A neuron whose axons and dendrites are all confined within a given structure. Also called an intrinsic neuron
Local anesthetic
*Drug that attach to the sodium channels of the membrane, stopping action potentials
Local neurons
*Neurons without an axon
Microglia
*Glial cells that remove waste material and other microorganisms from the nervous system
Motor Neuron
*Neuron that receives excitation from other neurons and conducts impulses to a muscle
Myelin Sheath
*Insulating material that covers vertebrate axons
Myelin
*An insulating material composed of fats and proteins
Myelinated axons
*Insulating material that covers vertebrate axons
Neurons
*Cells in the nervous system that receive information and transmit it to other cells
Nodes of Ranvier
*Interruptions in the myelin sheath of vertebrate neurons
Oligodendrocytes
*Glial cells that form myelin sheaths (CNS)
Presynaptic Terminal
*End bulb of axon that releases neurotransmitters
Polarization
*Same as an electrical gradient
Propagation of the action potential
*Transmission of an action potential down an axon
Radial Glia
*Cells that guide the migration of neurons and the growth of axons and dendrites during embryological development
Refractory period
*Time when the cell resists the production of further action potentials
Relative refractory period
*Time after the absolute refractory period that requires a stronger stimulus to initiate an action potential
Resting potential
*The potential across the membrane at rest
Salutatory conduction
*The jumping of action potentials from node to node
Selective permeability
*Ability of some chemicals to pass more freely than others through a membrane
Schwann Cells
*Glial cells that form the myelin sheath in the PNS
Sensory Neuron
*Neuron that is highly sensitive to a specific type of energy (light, sound, etc)
Sodium-potassium pump
*Mechanism that actively transports sodium ions out of the cell while drawing in two potassium ions
Threshold
*Minimum amount of membrane depolarization necessary to trigger an action potential
Voltage-gated channels
*Membrane channel whose permeability to sodium (or some other ion) depends on the voltage difference across the membrane
Chapter 01 Biological Psychology Terms
What is Altruistic Behavior
*An action that benefits someone other than the actor
What is Artificial Selection
*A process of selecting plants/animals for desired traits
What are Autosomal Genes
*All Chromosomes other than X and Y
What are Chromosomes
*Strands of genes
What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid
*DNA – Double-stranded molecule that is part of the chromosomes
What are Dizygotic twins
*Fraternal (non-identical) twins derived from two eggs
What is a Dominant Gene
*A gene that shows a strong effect in either the homozygous or heterozygous condition
What are Enzymes
*Biological catalysts that regulate chemical reactions in the body
What is Epigenetics
*A field that deals with changes in gene expression without modification of the DNA sequence
What is Evolution
*A change over generations in the frequencies of various genes in a population
What is Evolutionary Psychology
*A field that deals with how behaviors evolved
What is Fitness
*The spreading of genes; number of copies of one’s genes that endure in later generations
What are Genes
*Units of heredity that maintain their structural identity from one generation to another
What is Heritability
*An estimate of the degree to which variation in a characteristic depends on genetic variations in a given population
What does Heterozygous mean?
*Having two unlike genes for a given trait
What does Homozygous mean?
*Having two identical genes for a given characteristic
What is Kin Selection
*Selection for a gene that benefits the individual’s relatives
What is Lamarckian Evolution
*A theory of evolution through the inheritance of acquired characteristics
What are Monozygotic Twins
*Twins (identical) derived from one egg
What is a Mutation
*A heritable change in a DNA molecule
What is Phenylketonuria
*PKU – A genetic inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine
What are Recessive Gene
*One that shows effects only in the homozygous condition
What is Reciprocal Altruism
*Helping others who may be helpful in return
What is Ribonucleic Acid
*RNA – A single-strand chemical
What is a Sex-limited Gene
*Gene that exerts its effects primarily in one sex because of activation by androgens or estrogens; both sexes may have the gene
What is a Sex-linked Gene
*Gene on either the X or the Y chromosome
*An action that benefits someone other than the actor
What is Artificial Selection
*A process of selecting plants/animals for desired traits
What are Autosomal Genes
*All Chromosomes other than X and Y
What are Chromosomes
*Strands of genes
What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid
*DNA – Double-stranded molecule that is part of the chromosomes
What are Dizygotic twins
*Fraternal (non-identical) twins derived from two eggs
What is a Dominant Gene
*A gene that shows a strong effect in either the homozygous or heterozygous condition
What are Enzymes
*Biological catalysts that regulate chemical reactions in the body
What is Epigenetics
*A field that deals with changes in gene expression without modification of the DNA sequence
What is Evolution
*A change over generations in the frequencies of various genes in a population
What is Evolutionary Psychology
*A field that deals with how behaviors evolved
What is Fitness
*The spreading of genes; number of copies of one’s genes that endure in later generations
What are Genes
*Units of heredity that maintain their structural identity from one generation to another
What is Heritability
*An estimate of the degree to which variation in a characteristic depends on genetic variations in a given population
What does Heterozygous mean?
*Having two unlike genes for a given trait
What does Homozygous mean?
*Having two identical genes for a given characteristic
What is Kin Selection
*Selection for a gene that benefits the individual’s relatives
What is Lamarckian Evolution
*A theory of evolution through the inheritance of acquired characteristics
What are Monozygotic Twins
*Twins (identical) derived from one egg
What is a Mutation
*A heritable change in a DNA molecule
What is Phenylketonuria
*PKU – A genetic inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine
What are Recessive Gene
*One that shows effects only in the homozygous condition
What is Reciprocal Altruism
*Helping others who may be helpful in return
What is Ribonucleic Acid
*RNA – A single-strand chemical
What is a Sex-limited Gene
*Gene that exerts its effects primarily in one sex because of activation by androgens or estrogens; both sexes may have the gene
What is a Sex-linked Gene
*Gene on either the X or the Y chromosome
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