bio intro paragraphs

antagonist

an antagonist is any substance that fits into a receptor site, inhibiting the neuron, not allowing it to fire. for instance, acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, that plays a vital role in the formation of spatial memories. scopolamine, acts as an antagonist for this process, fitting into the receptor sites and inhibiting the transmission of acetylcholine, thus resulting in decreased ability in the formation of spatial memories.

neurotransmitters

neurotransmission is the process of neurons communication, this is done when a pre synaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters across a synapse. this neurotransmitter binds to a specific receptor site, creating action potential. if these receptor sites are blocked, action potential cannot occur, creating an inhibitory effect. receptor sites can be blocked by antagonists such as scopolamine, which has an inhibitory effect of the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which aids the formation of spatial memories in the brain.

neural networks

the process by which neural networks are formed is known as neuroplasticity. when a neuron is stimulated, an action potential travels down the axon; a neural network is formed from repeated stimulation, which results in gene expression causing neurons to sprout new dendrites. this process is known as dendritic branching and increases the number of available synapses that can be used for any behavior. dendritic branching occurs when we learn a new skill, for instance juggling.

hormones

a hormone is a chemical, affecting behavior, secreted by glands in the endocrine system and transported directly into the blood. hormones can only produce reactions in certain target cells, with their specific receptor sites for each hormone. fro instance, the secretion of testosterone from the testes is said to be related to aggressive and risk taking behaviour.

evolutionary explanations

evolutionary arguments have been used to explain human mating behaviors. psychologists argue that our behaviors are a result of natural selection, meaning that behaviors that increase our chances are survival will pass onto our healthy offspring through genes and behavioral preferences. for instance, risk taking behaviors can improve a males chances of finding a mate and producing offspring.

genes and behaviours (+ genetic similarities)

genetic inheritance is the theory that abnormal behaviour, such as depression, can be passed down through genes. psychologists believe that if an individual has a specific combination of genes, they may be more vulnerable to depression. especially since the human genome project, they has been a greater focus on the genetic makeup of patients and how that relates to their diagnosis. one way to study genetic heritable is through twin studies, as monozygotic twins have exactly the same genetic makeup.

agonist

an agonist is an chemical that bind to a receptor site, causing the neuron to fire, having an excitatory effect. neurotransmitter are endogenous agonists as they are the brains natural chemicals that lead to actionable potential within neurons. there are also exogenous agonists, that are external from the body, such as drugs having a excitatory effect on the dopamine reward system. one example of an endogenous agonists is acetylcholine in the formation of spatial memories.

localisation

localisation is the theory that specific areas of the brain have specific functions that are related to specific behaviours. often, behaviours are more complex than this and require multiple areas of the brain in order to execute one behaviour, this means that although specific areas of the brain may have specific functions, they can work together for one behaviour.

neuroplasticity, neural pruning

neuroplasticity defines the brains dynamic nature that may change due to environmental factors. the brain has the ability to rearrange it’s connection between neurons through neural pruning and dendritic branching. neural pruning = cutting back due to cell death, hormones or lack of use. dendritic branching = increases stimulation levels for a specific task, crating a more dense connection.

techniques

before modern technologies, psychologists relied on behavioural observations or autopsies to understand the brain. now, with advanced equipment, we are able to gain a detailed model of the brain. one way this is possible is through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. this is done by applying strong magnetic fields and radio waves, allowing us to see hydrogen activity around the brain. through this, we can take different snapshots of the brain which indicates the rough structure of the model.

pheromones

a pheromones is a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by animals, these effect the behaviours of other animals of the same species. commonly, they effect sexual and mating behaviours. there is research that these pheromones may also be apparent in humans, reflecting similar behavioural changes. the two proposed pheromones are EST which the female pheromone and AND which is the male.

excitatory synapses

neurotransmitters are released from terminal buttons of a neuron and travel across a synapse, where they attach to receptor sites. some neurotransmitters are seen to be excitatory, meaning they increase the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential, while some are seen to be inhibitory, promoting the opposite effect. one example of an excitatory synapses s acetylcholine in the formation of spatial memories.