Biological Psychology (Nervous System)

Biological Psychology

Study of how biology influences behavior and mental processes.

Neuron

Nerve cell that transmits information.

Dendrites

Receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

Sends signals to other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

Insulates axon, speeds up signal transmission.

Cell Body

Contains nucleus; maintains cell function.

Axon Terminal Branches

Release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

Action Potential

Electrical impulse that travels down the axon.

Threshold

Minimum stimulus needed to trigger an action potential.

Synapse

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Involved in muscle movement and memory.

Dopamine

Influences reward, motivation, and pleasure.

Serotonin

Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

Endorphins

Reduce pain and induce pleasure.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to regulate anxiety and promote relaxation.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; processes information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside CNS; connects CNS to body.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body, "rest and digest."

Sensory Neurons

Carry information from senses to CNS.

Brainstem

Controls basic life functions.

Medulla

Regulates heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

Coordinates movement and sleep.

Reticular Formation

Regulates arousal and consciousness.

Thalamus

Relays sensory information to the cortex.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and formulate implicit/procedure memory.

Limbic System

Controls emotions and drives.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

Pituitary Gland

"Master gland"; controls other glands.

Amygdala

Processes emotions like fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

Involved in explicit memory formation.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain; responsible for complex thought.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in decision-making, planning, and speech.

Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movements.

Broca’s Area

Controls speech production.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information.

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes touch and pressure.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

Visual Cortex

Processes visual stimuli.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information.

Wernicke’s Area

Involved in language comprehension.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the two brain hemispheres.

Association Areas

Integrate information from different brain regions.

Accidents

Study brain damage effects.

Lesions

Deliberately damage brain areas to study function.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Records electrical activity in the brain.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Uses X-rays to create brain images.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Tracks brain activity using radioactive glucose.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses magnetic fields to create detailed brain images.

Plasticity

Brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Neural Networks

Interconnected neurons that process information.

Glial Cells

Support neurons; provide nutrients and insulation.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones to regulate body functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate bodily functions.

Adrenal Glands

Produce adrenaline; regulate stress response.

Left-Brain Functions

Logical, analytical tasks; language and math.

Right-Brain Functions

Creative, spatial tasks; art and music.

Charles Darwin

Proposed theory of evolution; natural selection.

Michael Gazzaniga

Studied split-brain patients; advanced understanding of brain lateralization.