Biological bases of behavior flashcards

The biological bases of behavior examines how the nervous system, brain structures, and genetics shape thoughts, feelings, and actions. Students must understand the structure and function of neurons, how neurotransmitters influence behavior, and the roles of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Key brain regions such as the limbic system, cerebral cortex, and brainstem each serve distinct functions. Techniques like fMRI, EEG, and lesion studies help researchers study the brain. The endocrine system, especially hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, also affects behavior. Finally, students should grasp how heredity and environment interact, including concepts like heritability and twin studies, to explain individual differences in behavior.

1. Card 1

   What is the basic function of a neuron?

   A neuron is a specialized cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals throughout the nervous system, forming the basis of all brain communication.

2. Card 2

   What happens at a synapse during neural communication?

   At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal and bind to receptors on the next neuron, passing the signal chemically across the gap.

3. Card 3

   What is the difference between the CNS and PNS?

   The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord; the peripheral nervous system connects the CNS to the rest of the body via sensory and motor nerves.

4. Card 4

   What role does the amygdala play in behavior?

   The amygdala processes emotions, especially fear and aggression, and is involved in forming emotional memories within the limbic system.

5. Card 5

   What does the hippocampus do?

   The hippocampus is critical for forming new long-term memories and spatial navigation; damage to it impairs the ability to create new explicit memories.

6. Card 6

   What is the function of the cerebral cortex?

   The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-order functions like reasoning, language, perception, and voluntary movement.

7. Card 7

   How do excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters differ?

   Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood a neuron fires, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease that likelihood, balancing neural activity.

8. Card 8

   What is the role of dopamine in behavior?

   Dopamine is linked to reward, motivation, and movement; imbalances are associated with conditions like schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and addiction.

9. Card 9

   What does the autonomic nervous system control?

   The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, divided into the sympathetic (arousal) and parasympathetic (rest) branches.

10. Card 10

    What is neuroplasticity?

    Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.

11. Card 11

    How do twin studies help researchers understand heritability?

    By comparing identical twins (same DNA) to fraternal twins, researchers estimate how much genetic factors contribute to traits versus environmental influences.

12. Card 12

    What brain imaging technique measures blood flow to active brain regions?

    fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) detects changes in blood oxygen levels, showing which brain areas are most active during specific tasks.

• Students often confuse the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, forgetting that sympathetic means arousal and parasympathetic means rest.
• Many students think neurons touch directly, but signals cross the synapse chemically via neurotransmitters, not through physical contact.
• Students mix up the roles of dopamine and serotonin; dopamine relates to reward and movement, while serotonin mainly regulates mood and sleep.

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