Discovering Psychology - Chapter 2 (made by me)

What is Biological Psychology?

The scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and mental processes.

What is the nervous system?

a system of up to 1 trillion linked neurons throughout your body in a complex, organized communication network.

What is the Central Nervous System?

a system of up to 1 trillion linked neurons throughout your body in a complex, organized communication network.

What is the peripheral nervous system?

The division of the nervous system that includes all the nerves lying outside the central nervous system.

what is the somatic nervous system?

the subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that receives information from sensory receptors along sensory nerves and communicates it to the central nervous system

what is the autonomic nervous system?

the subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that regulates automatic functions, such as heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion.

Somatic nerves….

interacts with the environment

autonomic nerves

regulate body’s internal environment

what are sympathetic nervous system?

the branch of the autonomic nervous system that rapidly activates bodily systems to meet demands in the environment and threats or emergencies, promoting a state of energy use.

what are parasympathetic nervous system?

the branch of the autonomic nervous system that conserves and maintains your physical resources.

What’s inside the central nervous system?

• Brain and Spinal Cord

• Meninges

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid

what is the hindbrain in the central nervous system?

a region at the base of the brain containing several structures that regulate basic life functions. such as sensory and motor pathways.

what is the forebrain in the central nervous system?

the largest and most complex brain region, which contains centers for complex behaviors and mental processes. is 90% of the brain.

what is the midbrain in the central system?

an important relay station that contains centers involved in the processing of sensory information, and sends signals that influence complex processes like attention.

the forebrain’s main role is:

thoughts, emotion, memory

the midbrain’s main role is:

Sensory/motor relay

the hindbrain’s main role is:

Vital functions, balance

Forebrain key parts:

- Cerebal Cortex

- Corpus Collosum

- Fissures

what is synapse?

the point of communication between two neurons.

What are neurotransmitters?

chemical messengers manufactured by the neuron.

What is a psychoactive drug?

a chemical substance that affects brain function and alters consciousness, perception, mood, or behavior.

Depressants are…

drugs that depress, or inhibit, brain activity.

Oipoids are…

drugs that are chemically similar to morphine and that relieve pain and produce euphoria.

Stimulants are…

drugs that stimulate, or excite, brain activity.

Psychedelic drugs are…

drugs that distort sensory perceptions.

Most common depressant is…

alcohol

Common opioids are

Heroin and similar to Morphine.

common stimulants?

coffee, nicotine, and cocaine.

common psychedelic drugs?

• THC

• LSD

• Ecstasy/MDMA

sympathetic nervous system easy words?

activates the fight-or-flight response

parasympathetic nervous system easy words?

This system acts like the brakes. It promotes rest and recovery.