Evolution/Bio Vocab
Which term describes the genetic improvement of a population through selective breeding?
Natural Selection
This neurotransmitter plays a role in mood regulation, appetite, and sleep
Serotonin
Which nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response?
Sympathetic nervous system
The bundle of nerve fibers that transmits signals between the brain and the body is known as the:
Spinal Cord
Chemicals that block or reduce the effects of a neurotransmitter
Antagonists
This term describes the sense of smell, involving the detection of airborne chemicals by receptors in the nasal cavity.
Olfaction
A sleep stage associated with vivid dreams and brain activity similar to wakefulness.
REM (Rapid Eye Movement)
Which term refers to the transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring & the study of how mental traits are passed down through generations?
Heredity
This neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure, reward, and motor function regulation
Dopamine
This is the part of the nerve cell which receives the electrochemical communication from the previous neuron
Dendrite
This lobe processes visual information.
Occipital Lobe
Drugs that alter perceptions as a result of the misinterpretation of sensory information
Hallucinogens
This term describes the sense of taste, involving the detection of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami (savory), and olegustus (fatty) flavors.
Gustation
A disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
Narcolepsy
These factors commonly referred to as "nurture" encompass all the external influences we encounter throughout our lives
Environmental Factors
Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers
Endorphins
Which system consists of the brain and spinal cord?
Central Nervous System
This lobe is involved in auditory processing and memory.
Temporal Lobe
Drugs that decrease central nervous system activity and induce relaxation and sleep
Depressants
The sense of body position and movement, involving receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints.
Kinesthesis "kin-uh-s-the-sis"
Sleep disorder define as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Insomnia
This type of brain scan measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow
fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
This neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the body's fight-or-flight response
Norepinephrine
Which nervous system division is activated during restful situations, promoting functions like digestion and energy conservation?
Parasympathetic nervous system
This lobe is involved in executive functions, motor control, and decision-making.
Frontal Lobe
Chemicals that enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter
Agonists
A theory that suggests the spinal cord contains a "gate" that controls the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Non-painful stimuli can close the gate and reduce pain perception.
Gate Control Theory
The body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles over a 24-hour period
Circadian Rhythm
This type of brain scan measures electrical activity in the brain.
EEG Scan (Electroencephalography)
This neurotransmitter is involved in muscle contraction and is affected in conditions like Alzheimer's disease
Acetylcholine
These types of neurons relay signals to the brain from sensory receptors
Sensory Neurons
This lobe contains the somatosensory cortex, which processes touch and spatial awareness.
Parietal Lobe
Drugs that increase central nervous system activity and enhance alertness and energy
Stimulants
The decreased sensitivity to a constant stimulus over time
Sensory Adaptation
Suggests that dreaming helps to consolidate and process memories
Consolidation Theory
Type of hormone is often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" hormone
Adrenaline
This type of neurotransmitter decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential
Inhibitory
The network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord is known as the:
Peripheral nervous system
This part of the brain plays a vital role in memory formation and storage
Hippocampus
A language disorder affecting speech and comprehension due to brain damage
Aphasia
The conversion of light into neural signals by photoreceptors in the retina.
Transduction
A disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep.
Sleep Apnea
The hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles
Melatonin
This type of neurotransmitter increases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential
Excitatory
Which system regulates involuntary body functions such as heartbeat and digestion?
Autonomic nervous system
This part of the brain is involved in the processing of ones emotions
Amygdala
The autoimmune disorder that impairs communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness
Myasthenia gravis
The process of identifying the origin of a sound in space, relying on differences in timing and intensity between the two ears
Sound Localization
Proposes that dreams result from the brain’s attempt to make sense of random neural activity.
Activation-Synthesis Theory
Which hormone is known as the "love hormone" due to its role in social bonding and reproductive behaviors
Oxytocin
The process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles after being released
Reuptake
Communication between neurons occurs at this junction
Synapse
This brain region is involved in language comprehension, and is located in the temporal lobe.
Wernicke’s Area
This condition is characterized by the degeneration of myelin, leading to disrupted neural communication
Multiple sclerosis
Suggests that different frequencies of sound are detected by different locations on the cochlea.
Place Theory
A disorder involving walking or performing other complex behaviors while asleep.
Somnambulism (Sleepwalking)
saam-nam-byuh-li-zm
Brain Anatomy!!!!!
The “master gland” that controls other endocrine glands and regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction
Pituitary Gland
The difference in electric charge across the membrane of a resting neuron
Resting potential
The somatic nervous system enables voluntary muscle movement through these types of neurons
Motor Neurons
The large bundle of fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain
Corpus callosum
A condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway (e.g., seeing colors when hearing sounds).
Synesthesia
The theory that color vision is based on the activity of three types of color receptors (cones) sensitive to red, green, and blue.
Trichromatic Theory
Sensory experiences that occur at the onset of sleep, such as vivid images or sensations.
Hypnagogic Sensation
The system responsible for voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles is the:
Somatic nervous system
Includes impaired cognitive function, memory problems, mood disturbances, and weakened immune response.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation