Across
- 3. nervous system, The division of the peripheral nervous system that governs involuntary processes such as heart rate and digestion.
- 4. A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, movement, and mood regulation.
- 7. Genetic or predisposed characteristics that influence physical, behavioral, and mental traits and processes; also referred to as 'nature.'
- 9. A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, learning, and memory.
- 14. perspective, A theoretical approach that explores how natural selection affects the expression of behavior and mental processes to increase survival and reproductive success.
- 19. Neurotransmitters involved in pain relief and the experience of pleasure.
- 21. Psychoactive drugs that bind to receptors and discourage neural firing by blocking neurotransmitter effects.
- 22. An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
- 23. studies, A research method that compares similarities and differences between identical and fraternal twins to determine the effects of genes on behavior and mental processes.
- 25. A chemical messenger released into the bloodstream that affects behavior and mental processes similar to neurotransmitters.
- 26. neurons, Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles to produce movement and behavior.
- 27. studies, A research method that examines similarities in traits and behaviors among family members to determine the effects of heredity and environment.
- 28. message, A neurotransmitter signal that makes an action potential more likely by depolarizing the receiving neuron.
- 29. principle, The rule that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all; there is no partial firing of an action potential.
- 31. nervous system, The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord that processes information and coordinates responses.
- 33. External factors that one experiences, such as family interactions or education; also referred to as 'nurture.'
- 34. A discriminatory application of evolutionary principles that seeks to improve human populations through selective breeding or genetic manipulation.
- 36. An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neural activity and promotes relaxation.
- 37. A compulsive pattern of psychoactive drug use that can create significant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is no longer consumed.
- 38. nervous system, The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'rest and digest' response that helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Down
- 1. A hormone that decreases appetite and signals satiety (fullness) to the brain, produced by fat cells.
- 2. message, A neurotransmitter signal that makes an action potential less likely by hyperpolarizing the receiving neuron.
- 5. nervous system, The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
- 6. Psychoactive drugs that bind to receptors and encourage neural firing by mimicking or enhancing neurotransmitter effects.
- 7. Psychoactive drugs such as marijuana that typically cause distortions in perception and/or cognition.
- 8. Psychoactive drugs such as alcohol that typically decrease neural activity and slow down the central nervous system.
- 10. A hormone that increases appetite and signals hunger to the brain, primarily produced in the stomach.
- 11. The central organ of the central nervous system that processes information and controls body functions.
- 12. selection, The process by which traits that increase survival and reproductive success become more common in a population over time.
- 13. cord, The bundle of nerves extending from the brain through the vertebral column that is part of the central nervous system.
- 15. The process by which a neuron's membrane potential becomes less negative, moving toward or past zero, triggering an action potential.
- 16. A hormone involved in the stress response, increasing heart rate and arousal.
- 17. cells, Cells in the nervous system that provide structure, insulation, communication, and waste transport to support neural function.
- 18. A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.
- 20. Neurons in the central nervous system that connect sensory and motor neurons and process information between them.
- 21. studies, A research method that compares adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents to determine the effects of genes and environment on behavior and mental processes.
- 24. nervous system, The division of the peripheral nervous system that governs voluntary processes and skeletal muscle control.
- 30. nervous system, The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response that contributes to feelings of anxiety.
- 32. potential, A rapid change in a neuron's membrane potential that allows it to transmit signals over long distances.
- 35. nervous system, The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord that processes information and coordinates responses.