Exam 2: The Biological Basis of Behavior

The neurotransmitter known as the "mood molecule" is ________.

The intricate network of folds that line the outer surface of the cerebral cortex, allowing it to fit inside the skull, are called ________.

The oldest and most primitive of the brain's structures are the cerebral hemispheres.

Neural impulses vary in strength according to the strength of the incoming signal to the neuron.

Schizophrenia seems to be associated with an overabundance of dopamine.

The hormone melatonin is produced by the ________ gland.

Strain studies involve ________.

A college student is having difficulty staying awake during the day and sleeping through the night. This difficulty is most likely due to problems in the ________.

Functional imaging techniques are used to ________.

The function of the neuron's dendrite is to ________.

Depression is linked to an ________.

Estrogen has been linked to aggressive behavior in both males and females.

The complex cable of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body is the spinal cord.

Evolutionary psychologists are especially interested in social behaviors.

Immediately after firing, a neuron cannot fire again no matter how strong the incoming messages may be. This period is called the ________ period.

The gland that produces the largest number of different hormones and has the widest range of effects on the body's functions is the ________ gland.

The somatic nervous system contains two branches: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic divisions.

Define genes, chromosomes, and DNA and describe their role in the genetic transmission of traits.

Neurons that collect messages from sense organs and carry those messages to the spinal cord or the brain are called ________.

Define and describe the uses for and limitations of family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies. What has been learned from these studies about the role of heredity in shaping human personality?