The Neuron
The extension of the neuron that receives the message
What is a dendrite
The argument over the relative contributions of heredity and environment in the development of various behaviors and personality traits is known as...
What is nature vs. nurture
What term describes the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences, environmental influences, and learning?
neuroplasticity (brain plasticity)
Depression is closely linked with low levels of this neurotransmitter
What is serotonin
The type of neuron that carries outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands
What are motor nuerons (efferent)
This neuroimaging technique measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp and is particularly useful for studying sleep patterns.
What is an EEG
Often called the "cuddle hormone," this neurotransmitter increases trust and empathy in social interactions, strengthens romantic attachments, and is released during hugging
What is oxytocin
A layer of fatty, insulating membrane that wraps around nerve axons, encasing the fibers of many neurons: enables vastly greater transmission speed of neural impulses.
What is myelin sheath
Which study is best suited for studying the influence of genetics versus environment on psychological traits by comparing individuals who share the same genetic material but have been raised in different environments?
A) Identical twins raised together
B) Adopted siblings raised together
C) Fraternal twins raised apart
D) Identical twins raised apart
What are Identical twins raised apart
This neuroimaging technique uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed 3D images of brain structure and activity.
What is an fMRI?
With regard to the process of neural transmission, a ______________ refers to a time interval after an action potential in which it is impossible to send another action potential.
What is the refractory period
Research on human mating preferences suggests that men place greater value on physical attractiveness and youthfulness, whereas women place greater value on social status and financial resources. Which of the following psychological points of view best explains this behavior?
Evolutionary
This class of drugs, which includes heroin and prescription painkillers like OxyContin, acts on specific receptors in the brain and can lead to both pain relief and addiction.
What is an opioid
This hormone is making me hungry
What is ghrelin
A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron, generated by the movement of ions across the neuron's membrane
What is an action potential
A picture of a cat is flashed in the left visual field and a picture of a mouse is flashed in the right visual field of a split brain patient. The individual will be able to use her right hand to indicate she saw a ______
What is a mouse
This pseudoscientific movement, popular in the early 20th century, aimed to "improve" the human race through selective breeding and was founded by Francis Galton.
What is eugenics
This type of chemical substance activates a receptor to produce a biological response, mimicking the action of neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine.
What is an agonist
When I eat a new spicy pepper, I experience pain because of this neurotransmitter, and then a sense of relief from this neurotransmitter
What is substance p / endorphins