Biological Psychology: Nervous System, Brain Structure & Function

Biological psychology

Structural organisation of the nervous system.

Central nervous system

Brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system

Somatic and autonomic.

Autonomic nervous system

Includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Somatic nervous system

Includes sensory and motor functions.

Features of neurons

Structure and function of the neuron - dendrites, soma/cell body, axon, axon terminals, myelin sheath.

Neural transmission

Going down an electro-chemical signal.

Role of the synapse

Facilitates communication between neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.

Hindbrain

Includes medulla and cerebellum.

Midbrain

Includes reticular formation.

Forebrain

Includes hypothalamus, thalamus, and cerebral cortex.

Left and right hemispheres

Contralateral control of the body.

Corpus callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres.

Lobes of the brain

Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital.

Broca's area

Linked to the production of speech.

Wernicke's area

Associated with language comprehension.

Primary motor cortex

Involved in control of voluntary body movements.

Primary sensory cortex

Processes sensory information from the body.

Primary auditory cortex

Important for hearing, language, and speech.

Primary visual cortex

Receives visual input from the retinas.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Measures electrical activity of the brain.

Computed tomography (CT)

Imaging technique that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.

Sympathetic nervous system

Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Maintains day-to-day bodily functions.

Neuron structure

Includes dendrites, soma, axon, axon terminals, and myelin sheath.

Motor neurons

Carry messages to muscle fibers.

Sensory neurons

Convert physical and chemical energy into neurochemical signals.

Interneurons

Connect sensory and motor neurons.