CSULB Psychobio Module 1.1 Brain and Behavior

What is psychobiology (biological psychology)?

The study of how the brain affects behavior.

What are some psychological processes and behaviors studied in psychobiology?

Learning, memories, emotions, language, movement, consciousness, thinking, sleep, dreams, addiction, hunger, and sex.

What is the difference between monism and dualism?

Monism is the belief that the mind and body are one and can be studied scientifically, while dualism posits that they are separate and the mind cannot be studied.

Who is known for the concept of dualism?

Rene Descartes.

What was Descartes' famous quote that supports the existence of the mind?

I think, therefore I am.

What are the three main approaches to studying the brain-behavior relationship?

Somatic intervention, behavioral intervention, and correlation.

What does somatic intervention involve?

Manipulating the body and/or brain to see how it affects behavior.

How does behavioral intervention differ from somatic intervention?

Behavioral intervention manipulates behavior to see how it affects the body and/or brain.

Why is animal research important in biological psychology?

It allows examination of brain mechanisms at the cellular level and testing of drugs before human trials.

What is a main ethical concern regarding animal research?

Generalizability to humans and ensuring ethical treatment of animals.

What role does the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) play?

IACUC oversees animal care and use programs to ensure ethical treatment in research.

What does recent evidence suggest about the relationship between brain function and mental life?

All aspects of mental life, including consciousness and emotions, are the result of brain activity.

What is the goal of biological psychology?

To explain how the brain leads to thought, emotion, memory, and human behavior.

How does dualism influence our understanding of personal identity?

It leads us to view the mind as separable from the body's physical existence.

What is reductionism in biological psychology?

The approach of breaking behavior down into smaller parts to understand it.

What is synaptic plasticity?

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.

What is neurogenesis?

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

What role do neurotransmitters play?

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

What is the blood-brain barrier?

A selective permeability barrier that protects the brain by restricting the passage of substances from the bloodstream.

What is the function of the limbic system?

The limbic system is involved in emotion regulation, memory formation, and motivation.

What is the significance of mirror neurons?

Mirror neurons are thought to play a key role in understanding others' actions and learning through imitation.

How do endorphins affect the body?

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure or euphoria.

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus regulates various bodily functions, including temperature control, hunger, and thirst.

What are the primary functions of the frontal lobe?

The frontal lobe is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as reasoning, planning, and impulse control.

What is the cerebral cortex's function?

The cerebral cortex is involved in complex brain functions, including sensory perception, reasoning, and decision-making.

What is the function of the occipital lobe?

The occipital lobe processes visual information.

What is the significance of the temporal lobe?

The temporal lobe is involved in processing auditory information and memory.

What is the purpose of glial cells?

Glial cells support neurons by providing nourishment, protection, and insulation.

How does the autonomic nervous system function?

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate and digestion.

What is the fight-or-flight response?

The body's physiological reaction to perceived harmful events, attacks, or threats.

What are the roles of dopamine in the brain?

Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

What is the function of serotonin?

Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

What is cognition?

Cognition encompasses all mental processes related to knowledge, including perception, reasoning, and decision-making.

What is behaviorism?

Behaviorism is a theoretical perspective that focuses on observable behaviors and the role of the environment in shaping those behaviors.

What does the term 'neuroplasticity' refer to?

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

What is the function of the amygdala?

The amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions, especially fear and pleasure.

What is the role of the hippocampus?

The hippocampus is critical for forming new memories and learning.

What are circadian rhythms?

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness.

What is emotional regulation?

Emotional regulation refers to the processes by which individuals influence their emotions, when they have them, and how they experience and express these emotions.

What is the purpose of the thalamus?

The thalamus acts as the brain's relay station, processing and transmitting sensory information.

What is psychopharmacology?

Psychopharmacology is the study of how drugs affect mood, perception, and behavior.

What is the significance of the prefrontal cortex?

The prefrontal cortex is involved in complex behaviors including planning, decision-making, and social behavior.

What is an EEG (electroencephalogram)?

An EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes attached to the scalp.

What are the different stages of sleep?

The stages of sleep include NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep, which has three stages, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

What is the purpose of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine?

Acetylcholine is involved in muscle activation, attention, and memory.

What role does the basal ganglia play?

The basal ganglia are involved in movement regulation and coordination.

What does the term 'homeostasis' refer to?

Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

What is the function of the spinal cord?

The spinal cord transmits neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

What are the primary neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation?

Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are key neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation.

What is the role of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

What does the term 'psychosomatic' refer to?

Psychosomatic refers to physical symptoms that are influenced by emotional or psychological factors.

What is the purpose of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

The hypothalamus regulates hormone release from the pituitary gland, influencing many bodily functions.

What is the significance of the sensory cortex?

The sensory cortex processes sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain.

What are the effects of stress on the body?

Stress can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and immune system suppression.

How does the brain process visual information?

Visual information is processed in the occipital lobe after being received from the eyes.

What is the primary role of the amygdala?

The amygdala is crucial for emotional processing, particularly fear and aggression.

How does the hypothalamus control body temperature?

The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat, detecting changes in body temperature and activating cooling or heating mechanisms.

What are the effects of chronic sleep deprivation?

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive decline, mood disturbances, and impaired immune function.

What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex?

The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, impulse control, and social behavior.

What are the roles of the left and right hemispheres of the brain?

The left hemisphere typically handles language, logic, and analytical tasks, while the right hemisphere is associated with creativity and spatial ability.

What is neurodevelopment?

Neurodevelopment is the process by which the nervous system develops, including the formation of neurons, synapses, and neural circuits.

What is empathy?

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

How does addiction affect the brain?

Addiction alters brain pathways involved in reward, reinforcing behavior and often leading to compulsive use of substances.

What is the purpose of myelin?

Myelin insulates axons, increasing the speed of electrical impulses along neurons.

What are the characteristics of major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a range of emotional and physical symptoms.

What role do endorphins play in the body?

Endorphins act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers.

What is the significance of the thalamus?

The thalamus acts as a sensory relay station, directing incoming sensory information to appropriate cortical areas.

What are the main types of brain imaging techniques?

Common brain imaging techniques include MRI, CT scans, PET scans, and EEG.

What is the function of the basal ganglia?

The basal ganglia coordinate and control voluntary movements.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve behaviors.

What does 'neurotransmitter receptor' refer to?

Neurotransmitter receptors are proteins on the surface of neurons that bind neurotransmitters and trigger responses.

What is synesthesia?

Synesthesia is a neurological condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to involuntary experiences in another sensory pathway.

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

The corpus callosum connects the left and right brain hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

What is the significance of dendrites?

Dendrites receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

How does the body respond to stress?

The body activates the 'fight-or-flight' response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

What factors influence brain development in children?

Genetics, environment, nutrition, and early experiences all influence brain development.

What is the role of glial cells?

Glial cells support and protect neurons, provide nutrients, and aid in neurotransmission.

What behaviors result from imbalances in neurotransmitter levels?

Imbalances can lead to various mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

What is the role of the amygdala?

The amygdala is crucial for emotional processing, particularly fear and aggression.

What does 'neurotransmitter receptor' refer to?

Neurotransmitter receptors are proteins on the surface of neurons that bind neurotransmitters and trigger responses.

What is the primary role of serotonin?

Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

What is emotional regulation?

Emotional regulation refers to processes individuals use to influence their emotions.

What is the fight-or-flight response?

The body's physiological reaction to perceived harmful events or threats.

What is the significance of mirror neurons?

Mirror neurons are essential for understanding actions and learning through imitation.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

What does 'psychosomatic' refer to?

Psychosomatic refers to physical symptoms influenced by emotional or psychological factors.

What is cognition?

Cognition encompasses all mental processes related to knowledge.

What is the function of glial cells?

Glial cells support and protect neurons, provide nutrients, and aid in neurotransmission.

What role does the hypothalamus play in the endocrine system?

The hypothalamus regulates hormone release from the pituitary gland.

What is synaptic plasticity?

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to increases or decreases in activity.

What is neurogenesis?

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

What are circadian rhythms?

Circadian rhythms are daily physical, mental, and behavioral changes responding primarily to light and darkness.

What is the purpose of myelin?

Myelin insulates axons, increasing the speed of electrical impulses along neurons.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns.

What factors influence brain development in children?

Genetics, environment, nutrition, and early experiences influence brain development.

What is the effect of chronic sleep deprivation?

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive decline, mood disturbances, and impaired immune function.

What is the role of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

What are the impacts of stress on the body?

Stress can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and immune system suppression.

What is the significance of the corpus callosum?

The corpus callosum connects the left and right brain hemispheres for communication.

What does 'neuroplasticity' refer to?

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.