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Chapter 3 Vocab
Biology and Behavior
59
Psychology
Undergraduate 1
09/25/2007

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Term
action potential
Definition
the electrical impulse that provides the basis for the conduction of a neural impulse along an axon of a neuron
Term
chromosomes
Definition
genetic structures consisting of genes that are found in the nuclei of the body's cells
Term
polygenic
Definition
determined by more than one gene
Term
nurture
Definition
in behavior genetics, environmental influences on behavior, including factors such as nutrition, culture, socioeconomic status, and learning. contrast with nature.
Term
genome
Definition
all the DNA contained within the set of human chromosomes. the sum of the genetic material that controls the processes that define the human being.
Term
genes
Definition
the basic building block for heredity, which consists of DNA
Term
nature
Definition
in behavior genetics, inherited influences on behavior, as contrasted with nurture.
Term
dominant trait
Definition
in genetics, a trait that is expressed (contrary to recessive trait)
Term
Down Syndrome
Definition
a chromosomal abnormality caused by an extra chromosome in the 21st pair ("trisomy 21") and characterized by slanted eyelids and mental retardation
Term
metabolism
Definition
in organisms, a continuous process that converts food into energy
Term
parasympathetic
Definition
the branch of autonomic nervous system that is most active during processes such as digestion that restore the body's reserves of energy
Term
frontal lobe
Definition
the lobe of the cerebral cortex that lies to the front of the central fissure
Term
aphasia
Definition
impaired ability to comprehend or express oneself through language
Term
parietal lobe
Definition
the lobe that lies just behind the central fissure
Term
wernicke's aphasia
Definition
a language disorder characterized by difficulty comprehending the meaning of spoken language
Term
broca's aphasia
Definition
a language disorder characterized by slow, laborious speech
Term
occipital lobe
Definition
the lobe that lies behind and below the parietal lobe and behind the temporal lobe
Term
somatosensory cortex
Definition
the section of cortex in which sensory stimulation is projected. it lies just behind the central fissure in the parietal lobe
Term
split-brain operation
Definition
an operation in which the corpus callosum is severed, usually in an effort to control epileptic seizures
Term
motor cortex
Definition
the section of the cortex that lies in the frontal lobe, just across the central fissure from the sensory cortex. neural impulses in the motor cortex are linked to muscular responses throughout the body
Term
endorphins
Definition
neurotransmitters that are composed of amino acids and that are functionally similar to morphine
Term
interneuron
Definition
a neuron that transmits a neural impulse from a sensory neuron to a motor neuron
Term
gray matter
Definition
in the spinal cord, the grayish neurons and neural segments that are involved in spinal reflexes
Term
central nervous system
Definition
the brain and spinal cord
Term
peripheral nervous system
Definition
the part of the nervous system consisting of the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system
Term
pons
Definition
a structure of the hindbrain involved in respiration, attention, and sleep and dreaming
Term
cerebeullum
Definition
a part of the hindbrain involved in muscle coordination and balance
Term
absolute refractory period
Definition
a phase following firing during which a neuron's action potential cannot be triggered
Term
permiability
Definition
the degree to which a membrane allows a substance to pass through it
Term
synapse
Definition
a junction between neurons, consisting of a terminal knob of a transmitting neuron, the space between the neurons (synaptic cleft), and a dendrite or soma of a receiving neuron
Term
depolarization
Definition
the reduction of the resting potential of a cell membrane from about 70 millivolts toward zero
Term
hippocampus
Definition
a part of the limbic system of the brain that plays an important role in the formation of new memories
Term
dopamine
Definition
a neurotransmitter that is involved in parkinson's disease and theorized to play a role in schizophrenia
Term
noradrenaline
Definition
a neurotransmitter whose action is similar to that of the hormone adrenaline and that may play a role in depression
Term
all-or-none principle
Definition
the fact that a neuron fires an impulse of the same strength whenever its action potential is triggered
Term
serotonin
Definition
a neurotransmitter, deficiencies of which have been linked to affective disorders, anxiety, and insomnia
Term
reticular activation system
Definition
a part of the brain involved in attention, sleep, and arousal
Term
basal ganglia
Definition
ganglia located between the thalamus and the cerebrum that are involved in motor coordination
Term
cerebrum
Definition
the large mass of the forebrain, which consists of two hemispheres
Term
thalamus
Definition
an area near the center of the brain involved in the relay of sensory information to the cortex and in the functions of sleep and attention
Term
cerebral cortex
Definition
the wrinkled surface area (gray matter) of the cerebrum
Term
hypothalamus
Definition
a bundle of nuclei below the thalamus involved in body temperature, motivation, and emotion
Term
corpus callosum
Definition
a thick fiber bundle that connects the hemispheres of the cortex
Term
limbic system
Definition
a group of structures involved in memory, motivation, and emotion that forms a fringe along the inner edge of the cerebrum
Term
somatic nervous system
Definition
the division of the peripheral nervous system that connects the central nervous system with sensory receptors, skeletal muscles, and the surface of the body
Term
neuron
Definition
a nerve cell
Term
neruotransmitters
Definition
chemical substances involved in the transmission of neural impulses from one neuron to another
Term
myelin sheath
Definition
a fatty substance that encases and insulates axons, facilitating transmission for neural impulses
Term
glial cells
Definition
cells that nourish and insulate neurons, direct their growth, and remove waste products from the nervous system
Term
node of ranvier
Definition
a noninsulated segment of a myelinated axon
Term
afferent neurons
Definition
neurons that transmit messages from sensory receptors to the spinal cord and brain (also called sensory neurons)
Term
dendrites
Definition
rootlike structures, attached to the soma of a neuron, that receive impulses from other neurons
Term
efferent neurons
Definition
neurons that transmit messages from the brain or spinal cord to muscles and glands (also called motor neurons)
Term
axon
Definition
a long, thin part of a neuron that transmits impulses to other neurons from branching structures called terminals
Term
terminals
Definition
small structures at the tips of axons
Term
pituitary gland
Definition
the gland that secretes growth hormone, prolactin, antidiuretic hormone, and other hormones
Term
autism
Definition
a childhood disorder marked by problems such as failure to relate to others, lack of speech, and intolerance of change
Term
endocrine system
Definition
ductless glands that secrete hormones and release them directly into the bloodstream
Term
amygdala
Definition
a part of the limbic system that apparently facilitates stereotypical aggressive responses
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