Biopsychology Basics
A researcher studies whether intelligence is more influenced by genetics or environment by comparing adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents. This type of study is called...
This system includes the brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous System
These neurons carry messages from the body to the brain and spinal cord.
Sensory Neurons
This brain area is known as the “pleasure center” and is involved in motivation and reward.
The Brain's Reward Center
Sarah feels pain relief and euphoria after exercise because of this neurotransmitter.
Endorphins
Nature vs. nurture
This division of the nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements like waving your hand.
`Somatic Nervous System
These neurons carry signals from the brain to muscles to produce movement.
Motor Neurons
This structure controls heartbeat, breathing, and basic life functions.
Brainstem/Medulla
When Alex is stressed, his body releases this hormone to increase alertness and energy.
Adrenaline
After a stroke, Maria learns to use her right hand again even though her left side was initially paralyzed. This ability of the brain to reorganize itself is called:
Neuroplasticity
This system controls involuntary actions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.
Autonomic Nervous System
During an action potential, a neuron either fires completely or not at all. This is known as:
This lobe, located near your ears, helps you process auditory information and plays a key role in understanding language and forming memories.
Temporal Lobe
After skipping breakfast, Jordan feels an intense increase in hunger and starts thinking constantly about food. This hormone, which signals hunger to the brain, is likely elevated.
Ghrelin
A patient who had their corpus callosum severed cannot name an object presented to their left visual field but can draw it with their left hand. This condition is called:
Split-Brain
During a stressful situation, this branch of the autonomic nervous system speeds up your heart and releases adrenaline.
Sympathetic Nervous System
What are the branched, tree-like projections of a neuron that receive and integrate signals from other nerve cells called?
Dendrites
This area, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for speech production.
Broca's Area
This hormone regulates hunger by signaling when you are full.
Leptin
When you touch a hot stove with your right hand, the pain signal is processed in the left hemisphere of your brain. This pattern is called:
Contralateral Hemispheric Organization
After a dangerous event, this branch of the autonomic nervous system helps your body calm down and digest food.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Glutamate increases the likelihood that a neuron will fire, while GABA decreases it. These chemicals are called:
Neurotransmitters
This area of the brain is responsible for helping to maintain homeostasis (hunger, thirst, body temperature, etc.)
Hypothalamus
This neurotransmitter is involved in learning, memory, and muscle movement.
Acetylcholine