bio bases part 1

Biopsychology

The branch of psychology that studies the biological foundation of behavior, emotions, and mental processes.

Generalization

Explaining behavior using general principles based on multiple observations.

Reductionism

Explaining behavior in terms of simpler, more elementary processes.

Holism

Explaining behavior using complex systems, emphasizing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Physiological Psychology

Study of neural mechanisms of behavior through direct manipulation and recording of the brain in controlled experiments.

Psychopharmacology

Study of effects of psychoactive drugs on brain and behavior.

Neuropsychology

Study of psychological effects of brain damage in human patients.

Psychophysiology

Study of the relationship between physiological activity and psychological processes in humans.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Study of neural basis of cognition, including thought, memory, attention, and perception.

Comparative Psychology

Study of the general biology of behavior, comparing different species to understand evolution and adaptiveness.

Neurons

Nerve cells responsible for the reception, conduction, and transmission of electrochemical signals.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that provide physical and structural support for neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that support axons and produce myelin sheath in the central nervous system.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells that support axons and provide myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

Microglia

Smallest type of glial cell that protects the brain by engulfing and digesting debris.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that control the blood-brain barrier and modulate neural activity.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Sensory (afferent) neurons

Neurons that detect changes in the environment and send signals to the CNS.

Motor (efferent) neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the CNS to muscles or glands.

Interneuron

Neurons located entirely within the CNS that connect sensory and motor neurons.

Somatic Nervous System

The division of the PNS responsible for voluntary control of body movements.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid membrane, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A selective barrier that prevents many toxic substances in the blood from reaching the brain.

Telencephalon

The largest division of the brain that includes the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and basal ganglia.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for many complex brain functions, including voluntary movement and sensory interpretation.

Corpus callosum

A band of axons connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei involved in the control of movement, located beneath the anterior portion of the lateral ventricle.