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Definition Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective that emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, free will, and the innate drive toward self-actualization. Developed as a reaction against both psychoanalysis and behaviorism, it focuses on the w...

Definition A chromosome is a thread-like structure found in the nucleus of cells that carries genetic material, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contains the instructions needed to build and maintain living organisms. Chromosomes are made up of ...

Definition Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions for building, operating, and maintaining all living organisms. It acts as the "blueprint" of life by storing information in a code made up of four chemical bases: adeni...

Definition A gene is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for building proteins or RNA molecules, which are essential for the structure and function of living organisms. Genes determine traits such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain dis...

Definition An allele is a specific form of a gene that can have different variations, which contribute to the genetic diversity among individuals. Each allele represents a slight change in the DNA sequence of a particular gene and can influence physical traits...

Definition A Punnett Square is a tool used in genetics to predict the genotype and phenotype of offspring resulting from a specific cross between two parents. It was developed by Reginald Punnett and helps visualize all possible combinations of alleles that ca...

Definition The genotype of an organism refers to its complete set of genetic instructions, which is made up of DNA. This DNA contains genes that determine various traits and characteristics of the organism. Each gene can have different forms called alleles, an...

Definition A phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, such as its physical appearance, behavior, or biochemical properties. These traits are influenced by both the organism's genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental facto...

Definition Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can affect how genes are turned on or off, influencing traits such as height, weight, or susceptibility to certain d...

Definition Genetics is the scientific study of heredity and variation in organisms. It focuses on understanding how traits, such as eye color or height, are passed from parents to offspring through genes. Genes are units of heredity made up of DNA (deoxyribonu...

Definition A neuron is a specialized cell in the nervous system that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are often called "the building blocks of the brain" because they form networks that allow us to process thoughts, memori...

Definition Dendrites are tree-like extensions of neurons, which serve as the input regions where signals from other neurons are received. These signals, or inputs, are then transmitted toward the cell body (soma) of the neuron. Dendrites play a crucial role in...

Definition An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell (neuron) that carries electrical impulses away from the neuron's main body (soma). It acts like a communication line, sending signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Axons are crucial for t...

Definition An action potential is a rapid electrical impulse that travels along the membrane of a neuron (nerve cell). It occurs when there is a sudden change in the electrical charge across the membrane, caused by the movement of positively charged ions (sodi...

Definition Glial cells are specialized non-neuronal cells found in the nervous system that play a crucial role in supporting, maintaining, and protecting neurons. While they do not directly transmit electrical signals like neurons, glial cells provide essentia...

Definition A synapse is a tiny gap between neurons where communication occurs through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. When an electrical signal reaches the end of one neuron, it triggers the release of these chemicals into the synapse. The neurot...

Definition The all-or-none response refers to how neurons (nerve cells) work: when a neuron receives enough stimulation (reaching a certain threshold), it fires an electrical signal called an action potential, which travels down its length. If the stimulation ...

Definition A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger in the brain that allows neurons (specialized cells) to communicate with each other by crossing the tiny gap between them called a synapse. These chemicals play a crucial role in transmitting signals that r...

Definition Reuptake is a process in the brain where neurotransmitters—chemicals that transmit signals between neurons—are absorbed back into the neuron that originally released them after they have completed their signaling task. This mechanism helps regulate ...

Definition The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system responsible for processing information, controlling voluntary and involuntary movements, and regulating essential body functions. It consists of two main components: the brain and th...