CHAPTER 2
Biopsychology-studies the interaction of biology, behavior and mental processes.
Neuroscience-focuses on the brain and its role in psychological processes.
Evolution-gradual process of biological change that occurs in a species as it adapts to its environment
Natural selection-driving force behind evolution by which the environment selects the fittest organisms.
Genotype-an organism’s genetic makeup
Phenotype-an organism’s observable physical characteristics
DNA-long, complex molecules that encodes genetic characteristics
Gene-segment of a chromosome that encodes the directions for the inherited physical and mental characteristics of an organism, fundamental units of a chromosome
Chromosome-tightly coiled threadlike structure along which the genes are organized, consist primarily of DNA.
How the Body Communicates Internally
Neuron-cell specialized to receive and transmit information to other cells in the body, nerve cell, bundle called nerves
Sensory neuron-cell that carries messages from sense receptors toward the central nervous system, and afferent neuron
Motor neuron-cell that carries messages away from the central nervous system toward the muscles and glands, an efferent neuron.
Interveuron-cell that relays messages between nerve cells mostly in the brain and spinal cord
Dendrite- branched fiber that extends outward from the main cell body and carries information into the neuron
Soma- containing the nucleus, which includes the chromosomes, cell body
Axon-an extended fiber that conducts information from the soma to the terminal buttons, information travels along the axon in the form of an electric charge, action potential.
Synapse-microscopic gap that serves as a communications link between neuron, also occur between neurons and the muscles or glands they serve.
Terminal buttons-tiny bulblike structure at the end of the axon which contain neurotransmitters that carry the neuron’s message into the synapse
Neurotransmitters-chemical messengers that relay neural messages across the synapse, also hormones
Plasticity-nervous system’s ability to adapt or change as the result of experience, may also help the nervous system adapt to physical damage
Glial cells-form myelin sheath, provide an insulating covering of the axom for some neurons, facilitates the electrical impulse.
Nervous System-Entire network of neurons
Central nervous system- brain and spinal cord
Reflex- as imple, unlearned response triggered by stimuli
Peripheral Nervous system-all parts of the nervous system lying outside the central nervous system, includes the autonomic and somatic nervous system
Somatic Nervous system-carries sensory information to the central nervous system and sends voluntary messages to the body’s skeletal muscles
Autonomic Nervous system-sends communications between the central nervous system and the internal organs and glands.
Sympathetic Division-sends messages to internal organ and glands that help us respond to stressful and emergency situations
Parasympathetic Division-monitors the routine operation of the internal organs and returns the body to calmer functioning after arousal by the sympathetic division
Endocrine System-hormone system, the body’s chemical messenger system including the endocrine glands
Hormone-chemical messenger used by the endocrine system, serve as neurotransmitters.
Cerebral Dominance-tendency of each brain hemisphere to exert contol over different functions Left, Right Brains