1.4

ap psychology module 1.4

Biological Psychology

Biological Psychology

The study of the relationship between biological processes and psychological phenomena.

Biopsychosocial Approach

A model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding health and illness.

Levels of Analysis

Different perspectives used to understand a phenomenon, including biological, psychological, and social levels.

Brain Plasticity (neuroplasticity)

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

EEG

Electroencephalogram, a method used to record electrical activity of the brain.

MEG

Magnetoencephalography, a technique for mapping brain activity by recording magnetic fields produced by neural activity.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive imaging technique used to visualize internal structures of the body, particularly the brain.

CT

Computed Tomography, an imaging method that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the brain and other body parts.

PET

Positron Emission Tomography, an imaging technique that measures metabolic activity in the brain.

fMRI

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Lesions

Areas of damaged tissue in the brain, often studied to understand the functions of different brain regions.

Brain Stem

The part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions.

Hindbrain

The lower part of the brain that includes structures such as the medulla and cerebellum, responsible for vital functions.

Midbrain

The central part of the brain involved in vision, hearing, and motor control.

Forebrain

The largest part of the brain, responsible for complex behaviors and higher cognitive functions.

Medulla Oblongata

A structure in the brain stem that regulates vital functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Reticular Activating System (Reticular Formation)

A network of neurons in the brain stem that regulates wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions.

Cerebellum

A brain structure that coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions such as thought, perception, and decision-making.

Reward Center

A group of brain structures involved in the processing of rewards and pleasure.

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Thalamus

A brain structure that acts as a relay station for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that regulates various autonomic functions, including hunger, thirst, and temperature.

Pituitary Gland

The "master gland" that regulates hormones and controls other endocrine glands.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in the formation of new memories and spatial navigation.

Amygdala

A brain region involved in emotion processing, particularly fear and pleasure.

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Split Brain patients

Individuals who have undergone surgery to sever the corpus callosum, leading to unique cognitive effects.

Broca’s Area

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production and language processing.

Wernicke’s Area

A region in the temporal lobe involved in language comprehension.

Hemispheres

The two halves of the brain, left and right, each responsible for different functions.

Hemispheric Lateralization

The specialization of the two hemispheres of the brain for different tasks.

Contralateral Hemispheric Organization

The principle that each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.

Aphasia

A language disorder resulting from brain damage, affecting speech and comprehension.

Occipital Lobe

The brain region responsible for visual processing.

Temporal Lobe

The brain region involved in auditory processing and memory.

Parietal Lobe

The brain region that processes sensory information and spatial awareness.

Association Areas

Regions of the cerebral cortex that integrate information from different senses and are involved in higher cognitive functions.

Somatosensory Cortex

A region in the parietal lobe that processes sensory input from the body.

Frontal Lobe

The brain region associated with reasoning, planning, and problem-solving.

Prefrontal Cortex

The part of the frontal lobe involved in complex cognitive behavior and decision-making.

Motor Cortex

A region in the frontal lobe responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.