Bio Psyc

• Concordance rates

  the proportion of pairs of individuals that share a particular attribute, given that one of the individuals has that characteristic
• Neurology

  the study of the physical brain and how it affects behaviour
• Nervous system

  the network of nerve cells and fibers which transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body
• Central nervous system (CNS)

  The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord
• Neuron(also called neurones or nerve cells) 


  The fundamental units of the brain and nervous system
• Synapse

  A small gap at the end of a neuron that allows a signal to pass from one neuron to the next
• Action Potential

  A brief electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron, enabling communication between neurons.
• Adrenaline

  A hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, preparing the body for the "fight or flight" response.
• Agonist

  A substance that enhances or mimics the effects of a neurotransmitter, typically by binding to its receptors.
• Amygdala

  A brain structure involved in the processing of emotions, particularly fear and emotional responses to stimuli.
• Antagonist

  A substance that inhibits or blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter by occupying its receptors.
• Axon

  The long, thread-like part of a neuron that transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body.
• Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT)

  A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain's structure.
• Circadian Rhythm

  A biological rhythm with a roughly 24 hour cycle, influencing various physiological and behavioral processes.
• Dendrite

  Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body.
• Dopamine

  A neurotransmitter involved in various functions, including movement, motivation, and reward. Imbalances are associated with conditions like Parkinson's and schizophrenia.
• Endocrine System

  A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis.
• Exogenous Zeitgeber

  External environmental cues that affects endogenous pacemakers
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

  A neuro-imaging technique that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.
• Endogenous Pacemaker

  internal biological mechanism that generate and regulate biological rhythms
• Genotype

  An individual's genetic makeup, consisting of the specific alleles inherited from their parents.
• Hormones

  Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate various physiological processes in the body.
• Hypothalamus

  A brain structure that plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other homeostatic processes.
• Infradian Rhythm

  A biological rhythm with a cycle longer than 24 hours.
• Limbic System

  A group of brain structures, including the hippocampus and amygdala, associated with emotion, motivation, and memory.
• MAOA Gene (Monoamine Oxidase A)

  A gene encoding the enzyme monoamine oxidase A, which plays a role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Variations in this gene are associated with aggression and impulsivity.
• Menstrual Cycle

  The monthly reproductive cycle in females, involving changes in the ovaries and the uterus, preparing for potential pregnancy.
• Neurotransmitter

  Chemical substances that transmit signals between neurons, allowing communication within the nervous system.
• Oestrogen

  A female sex hormone produced primarily in the ovaries, playing a key role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

  A neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting the distribution of a radioactive tracer injected into the bloodstream.
• Phenotype

  The observable characteristics or traits of an individual, resulting from the interaction of their genotype with the environment.
• Pituitary Gland

  An endocrine gland located at the base of the brain that produces and releases various hormones, influencing other endocrine glands.
• Prefrontal Cortex

  The front part of the frontal lobe involved in executive functions such as decision-making, planning, and social behavior.
• Progesterone

  A female sex hormone produced in the ovaries that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

  A type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually during the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter.