Biopsychology Lecture Review

A set of flashcards to review key concepts of biopsychology, covering definitions, functions, and mechanisms within the nervous system.

What is biopsychology?

It is the study of how the body and brain work together to influence behavior and mental processes.

What are the main goals of biopsychology?

1. Describe behavior 2. Understand how it works in the brain/body 3. Predict it 4. Control or change it when needed.

What does physiological psychology study?

It studies how the brain physically causes behavior, often using methods like brain surgery and electrical stimulation.

What is psychopharmacology focused on?

It examines how drugs affect the brain and behavior.

What does neuropsychology study?

It focuses on the effects of brain damage on behavior and cognition.

Explain psychophysiology.

It connects physiological signals to psychological states, studying how the body reacts to emotions.

What is cognitive neuroscience?

It studies the relationship between brain activity and cognitive processes such as thoughts and memory.

What does comparative psychology examine?

It looks at behavioral and evolutionary comparisons between humans and other species.

What are the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

1. Somatic Nervous System 2. Autonomic Nervous System.

What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations.

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

It promotes 'rest and digest' activities, calming the body down after stress.

Define resting potential in neurons.

It is the electrical charge difference across the neuron's membrane when it is at rest, typically around -70mV.

What happens during depolarization?

Sodium channels open, allowing Na+ ions to rush into the neuron, making the inside more positive.

What is the all-or-nothing rule in action potentials?

A neuron will either fire completely or not at all; there are no half-firings.

How do neurotransmitters function at the synapse?

They are released from the axon terminal and bind to receptors on the next neuron to either excite or inhibit it.

What is LTP (Long-Term Potentiation)?

It is a long-lasting strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity, thought to be a cellular basis for learning.

What type of memory is the hippocampus critical for?

It is critical for forming new declarative memories.

What does confabulation refer to?

The act of making up false memories without realizing it, often seen in Korsakoff's syndrome.

What are the three layers of the meninges?

1. Dura Mater 2. Arachnoid Mater 3. Pia Mater.

Describe the function of the blood-brain barrier.

It protects the brain by allowing only certain substances to pass from the bloodstream into the brain.

What is the role of glial cells?

They support and protect neurons, playing various roles such as providing nutrients and maintaining homeostasis.

Differentiate between agonists and antagonists in pharmacology.

Agonists enhance or mimic neurotransmitter effects, while antagonists block or inhibit them.