Biological psychology

Biological Psychology

The study of the connections between the nervous system's structure and activity and behavior and mental processes.

Phrenology

A pseudoscience that involved 'reading' bumps on the head to determine a person's character.

Electroencephalographs (EEGs)

A technology used to record electrical brain activity.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A technique that measures hemoglobin and oxygen levels in the brain to indicate areas of activity.

Central Nervous System

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that communicates with the body, consisting of somatic and autonomic systems.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the forebrain, divided into four lobes responsible for various higher brain functions.

Action Potential

The electrical and chemical process by which neurons transmit information.

Synapses

Specialized junctions between neurons where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses and influence behavior and mental processes.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest and digestion.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that provide insulation and remove waste products.

Hemispheric Specialization

The concept that each hemisphere of the brain is specialized for certain functions, such as language and visual processing.

Reflexes

Rapid, automatic responses to stimuli that occur without conscious thought.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream, influencing mood and behavior.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with movement and reward, linked to conditions like Parkinson's disease.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A mechanism that maintains the resting potential of neurons by regulating ion flow.

Binding Problem

The challenge of understanding how the brain integrates information from different areas to create a unified experience.