Biological Concepts and Mental Health

Biological Concepts

• Chromosomes: Fundamental structures carrying genetic information.
• DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule holding genetic instructions.
• Genes: Specific segments of DNA containing instructions for building proteins.
• Genetic disorders: Conditions caused by defects in genes.
• Amniocentesis: Procedure to collect amniotic fluid for genetic testing.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Procedure to sample placental tissue for early genetic testing.
• Gene therapy: Medical approach using genes to treat or prevent diseases.

Developmental Tasks and Mental Health

• Developmental tasks: Essential milestones in growth and development.
• Autonomy: The ability to make independent choices and act freely.
• Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine.
• Anxiety: Feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease.
• Depression: A mood disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest, and hopelessness.
• Apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
• Mental disorder: A condition affecting a person's thinking, emotional response, or mood.
• Stigma: A mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular condition.
• Mood disorders: Mental conditions characterized by changes in mood.
• Conduct disorder: A behavioral condition involving antisocial behaviors.
• Alienation: Feeling isolated or separated; detached from others.
• Suicide: Intentional self-harm with the purpose of ending one's life.
• Cluster suicides: A series of suicides connected or occurring close together in time.
• Psychotherapy: Treatment for mental illness that uses psychological methods.
• Behavior therapy: A form of psychotherapy that changes or removes maladaptive behaviors.
• Cognitive therapy: A form of psychotherapy that focuses on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns.
• Family therapy: Psychotherapy involving family members focused on family dynamics or interactions to lessen conflict, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.
• Group therapy: Psychotherapy in which people with similar issues discuss their problems in a guided group setting.

Drug Therapy and Endocrine Glands

• Drug therapy: The use of drugs or medications to treat various conditions, often to treat mental illness.
• Endocrine glands: Glands producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions.
• Pituitary gland: Endocrine gland controlling various bodily functions, including hormone production.
• Adrenal gland: Endocrine gland producing hormones that regulate stress response and other crucial functions.
• Thyroid gland: Endocrine gland regulating metabolism.
• Parathyroid glands: Endocrine glands regulating calcium levels.
• Pancreas: Gland with roles in both digestive and endocrine processes.

Reproduction and Gyn

• Eggs: Female reproductive cells.
• Ovaries: Female reproductive organs producing eggs.
• Uterus: The organ where embryos/fetus grow during pregnancy in mammals.
• Ovulation: The release of an egg from the ovary.
• Fallopian tubes: Tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization takes place.
• Vagina: Canal connecting the uterus to the outside of the body.
• Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Menstruation: The monthly shedding of the uterine lining in females.
• Sperm: Male reproductive cells.
• Testosterone: Male hormone.
• Testes: Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.
• Scrotum: External sac containing the testes.
• Penis: Male organ for urination and sexual intercourse.
• Semen: Fluid containing sperm.
• Inguinal health: Health of the groin area, important for reproductive system.
• Sterility: Inability to conceive a child.