Bio Bases
This field of study examines how environmental factors, such as diet or stress, can turn genes “on” or “off” without changing the DNA sequence
Epigenetics
Known as the “little brain,” this structure at the back of the brain coordinates balance and voluntary movement
Cerebellum
In sensation, this process converts physical energy like light waves or sound waves into neural signals the brain can interpret
Transduction
This stage of sleep is marked by vivid dreams and temporary paralysis of major muscles
REM Sleep
This principle states that the just noticeable difference between two stimuli is a constant proportion, not a fixed amount
Weber's Law
After a neuron fires an action potential, it briefly cannot fire again due to this recovery phase
Refractory Period
This almond-shaped part of the limbic system is most closely linked with fear and aggression... or the A-A-A
Amygdala
In sensation and perception, this property of a wave determines pitch in hearing and color hue in vision
Frequency
This roughly 24-hour biological cycle regulates patterns like sleep and wakefulness, influenced by light cues
Circadian Rhythm
Located at the back of the eye, this light-sensitive surface contains the sensory receptors (rods and cones) that begin the process of visual transduction
Retina
This neurotransmitter is the brain’s primary excitatory messenger and is linked to memory formation and learning
Glutamate
ften called the brain’s “sensory switchboard,” this structure relays messages from the senses to higher brain regions, except for smell
Thalamus
This term describes the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections, especially after injury or through learning
Neuroplasticity
These large, slow brain waves dominate during deep sleep, especially Stage 3
Delta
This sense, located in the inner ear, helps you maintain balance and body position in space
Vestibular Sense
These supportive brain cells provide nutrients, clean up debris, and help guide neural connections, even though they don’t directly carry action potentials
Glial Cells
Nicknamed the “master gland,” this endocrine structure regulates growth and controls other glands under the influence of the hypothalamus
Pituitary Gland
Found within the brain and spinal cord, these neurons act as connectors between sensory and motor neurons
Interneurons
The formal term for sleepwalking, this disorder typically occurs in deep NREM sleep
Somnambulism
This theory of hearing explains how groups of neurons alternate firing to enable the perception of sounds above 1,000 Hz
Volley Theory
These two disorders of the nervous system involve breakdowns in neural communication: one attacks acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, while the other damages the myelin sheath
Myasthenia Gravis and Multiple Sclerosis
Damage to this area in the left frontal lobe can cause difficulties producing speech, a finding highlighted in split-brain studies when patients struggled to verbally identify objects in the right visual field
Broca’s Area
Also called a “neural impulse,” this brief electrical charge travels down an axon when a neuron fires
Action Potential
According to Freud, the actual storyline of a dream is ______ while its hidden, symbolic meaning is _______
Manifest
Latent
Recently identified as a potential “sixth taste,” this flavor category detects the presence of fats
Oleogustus