Psychology Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the psychology lecture notes focusing on biopsychology, genetics, neuroscience, and the structure and function of the nervous system.

What are the three types of brain scans mentioned especially in biopsychology?

PET scan, CT scan, and fMRI.

What does biopsychology study?

The biological mechanisms that underlie behavior, including genetics, the structure and function of the nervous system, and the interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems.

What was Charles Darwin known for regarding evolution?

He proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, which suggests that organisms better suited to their environment survive and reproduce.

What is genetic variation?

The genetic difference between individuals that contributes to a species’ adaptation to its environment.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual, while phenotype refers to observable characteristics.

What are dominant and recessive alleles?

Dominant alleles express traits regardless of inheritance from one or both parents, while recessive alleles only express traits when inherited from both parents.

What is the function of a Punnett square?

A tool used to predict how genes will interact in the production of offspring.

What is reuptake in the context of neurotransmitters?

The process of moving neurotransmitters from the synapse back into the axon terminal.

What are the two major parts of the nervous system?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What role do neurotransmitters play in the nervous system?

They act as chemical messengers, influencing various functions and behaviors.

What are the primary components of the limbic system?

Amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus.

What is the significance of the pituitary gland?

It serves as the master gland, controlling the secretions of all other glands in the endocrine system.

How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems function?

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for fight or flight, while the parasympathetic nervous system manages routine operations and restores the body to a relaxed state.

What functions are associated with the frontal lobe?

Involved in executive functions such as planning, reasoning, language, and motor control.

What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?

Associated with visual processing.

What do the thalamus and hypothalamus regulate?

The thalamus serves as a sensory relay center, while the hypothalamus regulates homeostatic processes.

What is the difference between agonist and antagonist drugs?

Agonist drugs mimic or enhance neurotransmitter effects, while antagonist drugs block or inhibit neurotransmitter activity.

What are some major neurotransmitters and their functions?

Acetylcholine for muscle action and memory, dopamine for mood and learning, serotonin for mood and sleep, and norepinephrine for alertness.

What is the theory of evolution?

A concept by Charles Darwin explaining how species evolve over generations through natural selection.

What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

What is a potential effect of dopamine imbalance?

It is associated with mood disorders and conditions like Parkinson's disease.

What does the concept of lateralization refer to?

The idea that each hemisphere of the brain has specialized functions.

What is epigenetics?

The study of gene-environment interactions and how the same genotype can lead to different phenotypes.