Nerves

Biological psychology

The science of associations between psychological and physiological processes, primarily interested in how biological characteristics impact psychological functioning.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Consists of neurons and glial cells located in the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Includes all other neurons and glial cells, typically located in ganglia in various parts of the body.

Afferent neurons

Carry impulses from the periphery to the CNS, serving as input to the CNS.

Efferent neurons

Carry impulses from the CNS to the periphery, serving as output from the CNS.

Somatic motor system

Controls the movements of the locomotor system through the contraction of striated muscles.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Controls vegetative (visceral) functions by impacting the activity of cardiac muscle, smooth muscles, and glands.

Sympathetic division

Part of the ANS responsible for preparing the body for physical activity, fight or flight responce.

Parasympathetic division

Part of the ANS responsible for conserving energy, rest and digest.

Reciprocal coupling

The principle that activation of one division of the ANS is often associated with deactivation of the other.

Excitability

The ability of nerve and muscle cells to undergo electrical changes in response to stimuli.

Resting potential

The typical difference in voltage across a cell membrane when a neuron is not active, usually around -90 mV.

Action potential

A short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls. Depolorazation along an axon.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances released from presynaptic neurons that transmit signals to postsynaptic neurons.

Spontaneous responses

Changes in physiological activity without known eliciting stimuli.

Evoked responses

Changes in physiological activity that are elicited by known stimuli; often controlled by the experimenter.

Tonic activity

Baseline activity that can change gradually over time and impacts the interpretation of evoked responses.

Ethics in human experimentation

Key principles include voluntary participation, the right to interrupt participation, and data confidentiality.