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Biological Psychology
The scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes.
Neuron
A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.
Dendrites
A neuron’s bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.
Axon
The neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands.
Myelin Sheath
A fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons; enables faster transmission of neural impulses.
Action Potential
A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.
Refractory Period
A period of inactivity after a neuron has fired.
Threshold
The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.
All-or-None Response
A neuron’s reaction of either firing (with a full-strength response) or not firing.
Synapse
The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons and influence whether the receiving neuron will generate a neural impulse.
Reuptake
A neurotransmitter’s reabsorption by the sending neuron.
Antagonist
A molecule that inhibits or blocks a response by binding to a receptor site.
Nervous System
The body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The sensory and motor neurons that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
Sensory Neurons
Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
Motor Neurons
Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.
Interneurons
Neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between sensory inputs and motor outputs.
Somatic Nervous System
The division of the PNS that controls the body’s skeletal muscles.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
The part of the PNS that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The division of the ANS that arouses the body in stressful situations.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
The division of the ANS that calms the body and conserves energy.
Endocrine System
The body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
Hormones
Chemical messengers manufactured by the endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues.
Pituitary Gland
The endocrine system’s most influential gland, regulating growth and controlling other endocrine glands.
Brainstem
The oldest part and central core of the brain, responsible for automatic survival functions.
Medulla
The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.
Thalamus
The brain’s sensory control center, directing messages to sensory receiving areas in the cortex.
Cerebellum
The “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; coordinates muscle movement and balance.
Limbic System
Neural system linked to emotions, memory, and drives.
Amygdala
Neural clusters in the limbic system linked to emotion.
Hypothalamus
A neural structure that directs several maintenance activities and governs the endocrine system.
Cerebral Cortex
The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center.
Glial Cells
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.
Frontal Lobes
Involved in speaking, muscle movements, and making plans and judgments.
Parietal Lobes
Receives sensory input for touch and body position.
Occipital Lobes
Includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.
Temporal Lobes
Includes the auditory areas, receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.
Motor Cortex
An area that controls voluntary movements.
Somatosensory Cortex
Registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.
Association Areas
Areas of the cerebral cortex involved in higher mental functions such as learning and thinking.
Plasticity
The brain’s ability to change by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways.
Neurogenesis
The formation of new neurons.
Corpus Callosum
The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres.
Split Brain
A condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brain
Why are psychologists concerned with human biology?
Psychologists study the links between biology and behavior.
What are biopsychosocial systems?
Systems where biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors interact to influence behavior.
What are the parts of a neuron?
Neurons consist of dendrites, axons, and may have a myelin sheath.
How are neural impulses generated?
If received signals exceed a threshold, the neuron fires an action potential down its axon.
How do nerve cells communicate with each other?
Action potentials stimulate the release of neurotransmitters across a synapse to receptor sites on a receiving neuron.
What is reuptake in neurotransmission?
The process where the sending neuron reabsorbs excess neurotransmitter molecules in the synaptic gap.
How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?
They travel pathways in the brain and affect specific behaviors and emotions.
What role does acetylcholine (ACh) play?
ACh affects muscle action, learning, and memory.
What is the function of the central nervous system (CNS)?
The CNS, consisting of the brain and spinal cord, is the decision maker of the nervous system.
What are the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
What are the three types of neurons?
Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.
What is the endocrine system?
A set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream affecting various tissues, including the brain.
What is the role of the pituitary gland?
It influences hormone release by other glands and is controlled by the hypothalamus.
How do neuroscientists study the brain?
They use case studies, electrical stimulation, and imaging techniques like CT and MRI scans.
What are the components of the brainstem?
The medulla, pons, and reticular formation, responsible for automatic survival functions.
What is the function of the thalamus?
It acts as the brain's sensory control center.
What does the limbic system regulate?
Emotions, memory, and drives.
What are the functions of the cerebral cortex?
It processes sensory information and is involved in higher-level functions like learning and thinking.
What is neurogenesis?
The process of forming new neurons in the brain.
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What part of Gage's brain was damaged in the accident?
The frontal lobes.
What was Gage's condition immediately after the accident?
He was conscious and able to walk and talk.
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How did Gage's personality change after the accident?
He became impulsive, irresponsible, and exhibited erratic behavior.
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What scientific significance did Gage's case have?
It provided early evidence for the role of the frontal lobes in personality and social behavior.
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How did Gage's case contribute to the understanding of executive functions?
It helped researchers understand the importance of the frontal lobes in decision-making, impulse control, and social interactions.
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