Biological_Psychology_11_ATAR_Psychology

Biological Psychology

Biological Psychology

The scientific study of the biological foundations of behavior, emotions, and mental processes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, composed of somatic and autonomic divisions.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The division of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

The division of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Soma (Cell Body)

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and integrates incoming signals.

Axon

The long projection of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the soma.

Axon Terminals

End points of axons that release neurotransmitters into the synapse.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds up signal transmission.

Neural Transmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse between neurons.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs.

Electrochemical Signal

A signal cycle involving an electrical impulse traveling down the neuron and neurotransmitter release in the synapse.

Hindbrain

The part of the brain responsible for basic life functions; includes the medulla and cerebellum.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the hindbrain that regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Cerebellum

Part of the hindbrain that coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Midbrain

The brain region that connects the hindbrain and forebrain; involved in sensory processing and motor control.

Reticular Formation

A network of neurons in the midbrain that regulates arousal and sleep-wake cycles.

Forebrain

The largest part of the brain; involved in complex functions such as thought, emotions, and voluntary actions.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the forebrain responsible for higher-level cognitive functions.

Corpus Callosum

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

Contralateral Control

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

Frontal Lobe

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

Parietal Lobe

The lobe responsible for processing sensory information related to touch and spatial awareness.

Temporal Lobe

The lobe involved in processing auditory information and language comprehension.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe responsible for visual processing and perception.

Broca's Area

A region in the left frontal lobe associated with speech production.

Wernicke's Area

A region in the left temporal lobe involved in language comprehension.

Phineas Gage

A historical case study illustrating the role of the frontal lobe in personality.

Split-Brain Experiment

Research by Roger Sperry that investigated the functions of the left and right hemispheres.

Frontal Lobotomy

A surgical procedure that severs connections in the prefrontal cortex; used historically to treat mental illness.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A functional imaging technique that detects brain electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Computed Tomography (CT)

A structural imaging technique that creates cross-sectional images of the brain using X-rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the brain's structure.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A neuroimaging method that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Neurons

Specialized cells of the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry sensory information from the body to the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the CNS to skeletal muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons and process information within the CNS.

Action Potential

The electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron.

Synaptic Cleft

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs.

Localisation of Function

The theory that specific functions have particular locations within the brain.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the ANS that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the ANS that calms the body and promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Temporal Resolution

The ability to detect when an event or change in brain activity occurs.

Spatial Resolution

The ability to identify the exact location of brain activity.

Cognitive Functions

Mental processes such as thinking, memory, attention, and language.

Neuroimaging

Techniques used to visualize the structure and function of the brain.

Executive Functions

Higher-order cognitive processes including planning, decision-making, and impulse control.

Visual Cortex

The region of the occipital lobe responsible for processing visual information.

Motor Cortex

The region of the frontal lobe responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements.

Primary Auditory Cortex

The area of the temporal lobe that processes auditory information.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter perception, mood, or cognitive functions by affecting neurotransmitter systems.

Neuroplasticity

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

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal physiological conditions.

Cognition

The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and senses.

Emotions

Complex psychological states that involve physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Circadian Rhythms

The physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle.

Imaging techniques

Methods used to create images of the brain to examine its structure and functioning.

Neurotransmission

The process of transferring signals from one neuron to another at the synapse.

Resting Potential

The electrical charge difference across a neuron's membrane when it is not actively transmitting signals.

Neural Network

A series of interconnected neurons that work together to process information.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

The fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain.

Developmental Plasticity

Changes in the brain that occur due to experiences, particularly during development.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Interdisciplinary field that combines psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science to understand the brain's role in cognition.

Mental Disorders

Conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, and mood.

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in emotion regulation, particularly fear and pleasure.

Hippocampus

A region of the brain important for memory formation.

Endocrine System

The collection of glands that produce hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and development.

Biological Rhythms

Regular fluctuations in biological functions that occur in cycles.

Behavioral Neuroscience

The study of the relationship between behavior and the biological processes underlying it.

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in activity.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach that treats problems and enhances happiness by modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts.