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Biopsychology Flashcards

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7486351810HeredityThe Biological transmission of physical and mental characteristics from parent to offspring.0
7486357212PhenotypesThe observable physical charecteristics of an organism such as shape and color1
7486361532AllelesAlternative forms of a given gene. Humans have two alleles at each gene location on the chromosome, one from each parent2
7486367661GenesThe basic biological units of heredity. Genes contain the inherited information for the particular parts of a cell that control or influence the growth, appearance, and other physical characteristics of living things.3
7486377433MutationA random alteration that suddenly occurs in the DNA sequence of a gene, altering gene expression.4
7486390209DominantIn genetics, when a dominant gene is paired with a recessive gene, the characteristics of the dominant gene are expressed.5
7486391989RecessiveIn genetics, heritable characteristics that are expressed in offspring only when inherited from both parents.6
7486395795GenotypeAn individual's collection of genes; also, the two alleles inherited for a particular gene. The genotype is expressed when the gene's DNA is used to make protein and RNA molecules.7
7486400823HomozygousWhen an individual has two of the same allele, whether dominant or recessive.8
7486404094HeterozygousHaving one of each of two different alleles.9
7486408054GeneticsThe study of heredity, or how the characteristics of living things are transmitted from one generation to the next.10
7486409084NucleusThe command center of the cell that contains the genetic code, which directs the cell's functioning.11
7486413911ChromosomesThreadlike structures in the nucleus of every living cell containing the DNA instructions passed from parents to offspring.12
7486418845Sex ChromosomesThe chromosome pair, differently shaped from other chromosomes, decisive for determining the sex of an offspring, XX for female and XY for male.13
7486421055DNA (deoxyribo-nucleic acid)The unit of inheritance. The double-strand molecular component of chromosomes that carries an organism's genetic information.14
7486430178Nucleotide BasesThe chemical building blocks of DNA, appearing as the base pairs adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine.15
7486438483Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)A single-strand molecule, similar to DNA but with the base uracil instead of thymine.16
7486444250Messenger RNA (mRNA)The type of RNA that transmits the DNA's prescriptions to a ribosome for protein manufacture within the cell.17
7486451586Amino AcidsThe organic compounds that combine to make proteins.18
7486453226GenomeThe complete set of genes for a given species.19
7486461487Human Genome ProjectA large-scale research project completed in 2000 to decode and sequence the nearly 3 billion nucleotide base pairs of human DNA.20
7486462342EnzymeA protein that facilitates a chemical reaction but is not changed by it.21
7486467423EpigeneticsChanges in phenotypic expression caused, not by changes in DNA sequence, but by variations in the life experience or the environment of an organism.22
7486471468Case StudiesInvestigations of individual examples, such as of a patient with a brain injury.23
7486486178Confounding VariablesVariables other than the independent variable of interest that may aff dependent variables under study.24
7486493106Electroencephalography (EEG Scan)A technique using electrodes at regularly spaced intervals on the scalp to measure brain activity by detecting the electrical activity of large populations of a brain's cells.25
7486496923Event-Related Potentials (ERPs)The small voltages resulting while recording the brain's electroencephalography response to a specific task, stimulus, or event.26
7486541233Single-Unit RecordingA research technique using a microelectrode positioned to record the activity of a single neuron.27
7486547869Computed Tomography (CT)A scanning technique using X-rays and computer technology to generate cross-sectional views of neuroanatomy.28
7486558703Position Emission Tomography (PET)A scanning technique that provides real-time images of functioning in areas of the brain by observing the metabolism of radioactive glucose by the brain.29
7486560950GlucoseA simple sugar, considered a fuel for the brain.30
7486565117PlaceboAn inactive substance, administered in experiments to compare with the effects of administering the substance under study.31
7486581823Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)A high-resolution scanning technique utilizing a powerful magnetic field to detect brain structure.32
7486599642Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)Technique that uses the movement of water in the brain to detect characteristics in the fibers composing the white matter, or the communication pathways, in the brain33
7486623289Functional MRI (fMRI)The scanning technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygenation in different areas.34
7486633340Cognitive NeuroscienceThe exploration of brain functions that accompany various cognitive functions such as perception, memory, and language.35
7486636718Animal ModelsThe substitution of a specific animal species as an experimental subject in a scientific investigation when the use of a human subject is not appropriate.36
7486644938Sham LesionA surgical operation analogous to a placebo that includes the anesthesia, incision, and postoperative care, but omits the lesion that is under study, used as an experimental control37
7486650370Stereotaxic surgeryPrecision surgery using a spatial coordinate apparatus to pinpoint locations within the body during operations with minimal collateral damage.38
7486656336Stereotaxic ApparatusA precise surgical instrument composed of an orthogonal frame of reference using a set of three coordinates in the x-, y-, and z-axes.39
7486659567Stereotaxic AtlasA guidebook or brain atlas used to ascertain the location of a brain area of interest based on the locations of specific anatomical landmarks.40
7486661334BregmaThe connection point between parts of the skull at the top of the head.41
7486666388Gene KnockoutA genetic engineering research approach in which a specific targeted gene is rendered inoperative to determine the impact on the test animal's function.42
7486675729Field ResearchObservations conducted in a subject's natural habitat, whereby limitations of a laboratory environment can be avoided.43
7486678614ValidityThe degree to which a chosen test actually measures what the researcher seeks to measure.44
7486686410Darwins Theory Of Natural SelectionEmphasizes that species adapted to their environments (The physical context of their habitats) tend to have higher survival rates. Survivors produce more offspring, thereby increasing the proportion of organisms in each succeeding generation with the adaptive traits.45
7486707588Tinbergen's Four Questions46
7486754525Biofeedback TechniquesPractices that use one's thoughts to control functions that are usually considered involuntary, such as heart rate or blood flow.47
7486761705Insular CortexA portion of the cerebral cortex that reports on the state of the body to other brain regions by integrating input both from within the body and from the external environment. Also known as insula.48
7486768666InsulaA portion of the cerebral cortex that reports on the state of the body to other brain regions by integrating input both from within the body and from the external environment. Also known as insula Cortex.49
7486776980Cerebral CortexThe brain's outer layer of neurons.50
7488464612NeuronA nerve cell, the fundamental unit of the nervous system.51
7488472352Histological TechniqueMethod to study the microscopic structure and cellular organization of body tissues.52
7488473938SomaA prominent cell body that encloses a collection of microstructures found in all cells throughout the body.53
7488481718DendritesThe branching portions of the neuron that typically extend from multiple points on the soma. Named after the Greek word for "tree" because of their similarity to a tree's branches.54
7488484964AxonsSpecialized extensions of the neuron that receive neural messages and propagate them away from the soma to another nerve cell.55
7488486271Dendritic SpinesSmall protrusions located throughout the dendritic processes, or branches, that greatly increase the surface area of a nerve cell.56
7488493356Multipolar NuronsThe most common shape of neuron in the nervous system, with multiple dendrites extending from a single soma.57
7488503366Axon HillockThe gate of the axon through which nerve signals enter the neuron. [2]58
7488506638Myelin SheathFound in many vertebrate axons, the special insulating covering that ensures the strength and speed of a nerve signal.59
7488510797Nodes Of RanvierTiny gaps between segments of myelin sheath in a neuronal axon.60
7488516147Terminal EndingThe end of an axon where a nerve impulse or message is transmitted to another neuron or to nonneuronal tissue, such as a muscle or gland.61
7488525211Bipolar NeuronA nerve cell with two processes extending from the soma (a dendrite and an axon), generally found in sensory areas of the brain.62
7488576044Unipolar NeuronA nerve cell with one process extending from the cell body that divides into an axonal and dendritic segment, generally found in sensory areas of the brain.63
7488582136GliaA class of nerve cell distinct from neurons, once thought to merely support neurons, but more recently believed to also have other critical ongoing functions.64
7488586304AstrocytesThe most abundant type of glial cell. Star-shape cells that fill the spaces between neurons and transport nutrients from blood vessels to the neurons; also regulate the blood flow and chemical environs of the brain.65
7488595268Blood-Brain BarrierThe brain's primary security system. Acts as a filter and protects the brain from potentially harmful substances.66
7488599494MicrogliaSmaller glial cells that monitor the microenvironment of the nervous system and serve to protect the brain by cleaning up dead cells and cellular debris.67
7488634839OligodendrocytesThe type of glial cells that make up the myelin sheath that encapsulates axons of myelinated neurons located within the brain and spinal cord. They have multiple projections, each serving as one segment of the neuron's myelin sheath. Also known as oligodendroglia.68
7488641670Schwann CellPancake-shape glial cells that wrap their entire cell body around the axon of myelinated neurons located outside of the brain and spinal cord.69
7488650252CerebellumLiterally, "little brain." A large neural structure that dangles off the dorsal section of the brainstem. It regulates balance and motor coordination and contains up to 80% of all the brain's neurons.70
7488714184GangliaClusters of neurons; singular ganglion.71
7488726791Central Nervous System (CNS)The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.72
7488731373Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)The part of the nervous system that lies outside of the brain and spinal cord.73
7488736455TractsThe cabled axons found within the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).74
7488741106NervesThe cabled axons extending beyond the central nervous system that travel to various sites in the peripheral nervous system. Also called peripheral nerves.75
7488746313Afferent NervesThe sensory nerves that transmit information from the environment or other body areas toward the central nervous system.76
7488748481Sensory NeuronsThe neurons that detect incoming information from the environment and body areas.77
7488752479Motor NeuronsNeurons involved in initiating movement.78
7488758742InterneuronsNeurons that transmit impulses between other neurons.79
7488767110Efferent NervesMotor nerves; the nerves that are activated to cause movement.80
7488768391Cranial NervesThe 12 nerves that exit various areas of the brain and extend to target destinations in the head, face, and shoulder region. They have primarily motor, sensory, or mixed (motor and sensory) functions.81
7488768392Spinal Nerveshe left-right pairs of nerves that shuttle information to and from all areas of the body. There are 31 pairs in humans, including 8 cervical spinal nerve pairs, 12 thoracic spinal nerve pairs, 5 lumbar spinal nerve pairs, 5 sacral spinal nerve pairs, and 1 coccygeal spinal nerve pair.82
7488770507DermatomeA distinct area of skin served by a single spinal nerve.83
7489138892Somatic Nervous SystemThe part of the peripheral nervous system that generally controls voluntary movement.84
7489140579Automatic Nervous SystemThe part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate or digestion.85
7489146475Parasympathetic Nervous SystemThe part of the autonomic nervous system that reestablishes normal baseline functions after a threat has passed. It extends from the cranial and sacral areas of the spinal cord and has long preganglionic fibers and short post- ganglionic fibers that extend to the final organ destination.86
7489147652Fight or Flight ResponseA term that refers to the function of the sympathetic nervous system in preparing the body for strenuous physical responses to threats.87
7489149155NeurogenesisThe process whereby the adult mammalian brain can create new neurons in certain brain areas.88
7489149687Hormones89
7489149688RostralA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "toward the front or mouth." Also known as anterior.90
7489151290AnteriorA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "toward the front or mouth." Also known as Rostral.91
7489152078CaudalA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "toward the tail." Also known as posterior.92
7489152079PosteriorA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "toward the tail." Also known as Caudal.93
7489153835DorsalA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "toward the top or back."94
7489154394Ventral95
7489154395MedialA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "toward the center."96
7489155410LateralA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "toward the side."97
7489155411ProximalA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "closer" to the central nervous system.98
7489156693DistalA specific term of anatomical direction meaning "farther" from the central nervous system.99
7489169569Medulla OblongataThe most ventral (lower) area of the brain through which neural information enters from the spinal cord, regulating fundamental life-supporting systems such as respiration, blood pressure, arousal, and muscle tone.100
7489257138BrainstemThe base of the brain connecting with the spinal cord. Formed by the medulla oblongata (or myelencephalon), the pons, and the midbrain.101
7493163970MetencephalonThe brain area just above the medulla oblongata, containing the pons and the cerebellum.102
7493178713PonsFrom the Latin term for bridge. A structure in the metencephalon, the bulge on the ventral side of the brain rich in nervefiber pathways that transfer information to more dorsal (upper) areas and from one side of the brain to the other.103
7493181619Recticular FormationThe cluster of nuclei and fibers located throughout the central area of the brainstem.104
7493183370NucleiIn neuroanatomy, the clusters of neurons in the midbrain where fine-tuned sensory and motor messages interact, enhancing responsiveness to complex environments. Singular, nucleus.105
7493183371TectumLiterally, "roof." The region of the midbrain that contains two sets of nuclei related to sensory processing, the superior colliculi and the inferior colliculi.106
7493185841TegmentumLiterally, "floor." A region of the midbrain composed of several nuclei, including the most dorsal region of the reticular formation, the periaqueductal gray central region, and the substantia nigra.107
7493189089Superior ColliculiA left-right pair of nuclei in the tectum of the midbrain important for processing visual information.108
7493195581Inferior ColliculiA set of nuclei in the tectum of the midbrain important for processing and localizing auditory information.109
7493198512Periaqueductal Gray110
7493201319Substantia Nigra111
7493205860Red NucleusA pinkish area, prominent within the substantia nigra region of the tegmentum in the midbrain, that seems to have evolved as limbs (such as arms) evolved because it plays a role in limb movement.112
7493319700Cerebral HemispheresThe two sides of the brain, left and right, above the brainstem.113
7493324527Corpus CallosumThe thick band of myelinated axons that connects the dorsal sections of the left and right cerebral hemispheres.114
7493328267Anterior CommissureA thick band of myelinated axons, providing more ventral communication between the left and right cerebral hemispheres.115
7493329533White MatterMyelinated axons of the brain.116
7493329534Gray MatterNeuronal cell bodies in the brain.117
7493331154ThalamusAn evolutionarily old brain structure; part of the diencephalon, consisting of two large egg-shape structures, one in each hemisphere, and composed of several nuclei that filter and direct all sensory stimuli (except smell) to higher areas in the cerebral cortex.118
7493340111HypothalamusA brain structure below the thalamus, prominent in motivational systems.119
7493340112Pituitary GlandThe size of a pea, a component of the endocrine system (the body's hormonal system), located beneath the hypo- thalamus, that triggers the release of various hormones related to fertility, growth, and anxiety, among others.120
7493342882Basal GangliaA subcortical brain structure located in the telencephalon and composed of the caudate, globus pallidus, and putamen that modulates complex information processing critical for the regulation of movement.121
7493342883CaudateA component of the basal ganglia (along with the globus pallidus and the putamen) located in the telencephalon and critical for the regulation of movement.122
7493346602Globus Pallidus123
7493348905Putamen124
7493351603Parkinson's Disease125
7493351604Limbic SystemA subcortical system of the telencephalon consisting of a collection of structures (the fornix, septum, amygdala, cingulum, and hippocampus) that surround the thalamus and are involved in the regulation of emotional expression as seen in mammals.126
7493355122AmygdalaA limbic structure closely associated with fear.127
7493358017HippocampusA limbic structure activated by stress hormones involved in learning and memory.128
7493358018GyriThe bulges of the cerebral cortex; singular, gyrus.129
7493360993Sulcihe grooves of the cerebral cortex; singular, sulcus.130
7493360994Frontal LobeOne of the four large areas of the cerebral cortex, involved in interpreting sensory information.131
7493364443Parietal LobeOne of the four large areas of the cerebral cortex, involved in interpreting sensory information.132
7493368819Occipital LobeOne of the four large areas of the cerebral cortex, involved in visual processing.133
7493374978Temporal LobeOne of the four large areas of the cerebral cortex, involved in hearing, language, visual processing, and emotional processing.134
7493374979Primary Motor CortexA region in the frontal lobe controlling motor function.135
7493383272Primary Somatosensory Cortex136
7494162695Lateralization137
7494165486Split Brain Patients138
7494167943Planum Temporale139
7494170850Ventricles140
7494172517Cerebrospinal Fluid141
7494174914Choroid Plexus142
7494181944Meninges143
7494196004Dara Mater144
7494196095Pia Mater145
7494200516Stress Response146
7494202439Immune System147
7494209142Corticotropin-releasing Hormone148
7494214923Adrenocorticotropic Hormone149
7494222446Glucocorticoids150
7494272045Hypothalamic-Pituitary-151

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