Biological Psychology: Neural, Endocrine, and Brain Structures

Neural function

Nervous system, brain

Physiological processes and behavior

Describe the relationship between

Influence

Genetic contributions

Biological bases of behavior

Identify basic processes in the

Parts of the neuron

Signal transmission

Drugs on neurotransmitters

Discuss the influence of

Reuptake mechanisms

Agonists, antagonists

Endocrine system on behavior

Explain the effect of the

Hormonal influence

Behavior regulation

Nervous system subdivisions

Describe the nervous system and its

Major brain regions and functions

Identify

Brain lateralization

Discuss hemispheric specialization

Neuroplasticity in traumatic brain injury

Explain the role of

Historic research strategies in psychology

Recount

Interaction of heredity, environment, and evolution

Discuss the

Traits and behavior selection

Describe how

Key contributors to biological psychology

Identify

Biological psychology

Define

Phrenology

Explain

Neurons communicate

Do

Structure of a neuron

Describe the

Action potential

Define

Role of neurotransmitters

Explain the

Major neurotransmitters

Identify

Central nervous system

Describe the

Peripheral nervous system

Define

Function of sensory neurons

Explain the

Role of motor neurons

Describe the

Components of the autonomic nervous system

Identify

Function of the sympathetic nervous system

Explain the

Parasympathetic nervous system

Describe the

Hormones

Define

Glands in the endocrine system

Identify

Role of the adrenal glands

Explain the

Function of the pituitary gland

Describe the

Reuptake in neurotransmission

Define

Impact of agonists on neurotransmission

Explain the

Effect of antagonists on neurotransmission

Describe the

Components of a synapse

Identify

Refractory period in neurons

Explain the

Concept of neural networks

Describe the

Forebrain

Describe the

Function of the thalamus

Explain the

Limbic system

Define

Amygdala contribution to behavior

How does the

Hypothalamus

Homeostasis, hunger, thirst, temperature regulation

Fight-or-flight reaction

Stress response, adrenaline release, prepares body for action

Hippocampus

Memory formation, spatial navigation

Midbrain

Includes tectum and tegmentum

Hindbrain

Brainstem, medulla, pons, cerebellum

Brainstem

Basic life functions, heart rate, breathing

Medulla

Regulates vital functions, reflexes

Reticular formation

Arousal, sleep-wake cycles, attention

Pons

Connects brain regions, regulates sleep

Cerebellum

Coordination, balance, motor control

Cerebrum

Higher brain functions, thought, action

Cerebral cortex

Outer layer of cerebrum, complex functions

Main lobes of the brain

Frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal

Frontal lobe

Decision making, problem solving, planning

Parietal lobe

Sensory information processing, spatial awareness

Occipital lobe

Visual processing

Temporal lobe

Auditory processing, memory, language

Motor cortex

Controls voluntary movements

Sensory cortex

Processes sensory input, touch, temperature

Left hemisphere

Language, analytical tasks, logic

Right hemisphere

Creativity, spatial abilities, intuition

Visual cortex

Processes visual information

Auditory cortex

Processes sound information

Association areas

Integrate information, higher cognitive functions

Aphasia

Language impairment, affects communication

Broca's area

Speech production, language processing

Wernicke's area

Responsible for language comprehension

Broca's aphasia

Difficulty in speech production, comprehension intact

Wernicke's aphasia

Fluent speech, nonsensical content, comprehension impaired

Brain reorganization

Adaptation of brain functions, recovery after injury

Plasticity in the brain

Ability to change, adapt, form new connections

Corpus callosum

Connects left and right hemispheres

Split-brain patients

Severed corpus callosum, independent hemispheric function

Methods in studying the brain

Lesion, accidents, EEG, PET, MRI, fMRI, CAT scan

Lesion method

Brain damage study, effects on behavior

Accidents in brain study

Natural brain injuries, insights into function

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Measures electrical activity, brain waves

PET scan

Measures brain activity, glucose metabolism

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Detailed brain imaging, structure visualization

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Measures brain activity, blood flow changes

CAT scan

X-ray imaging, cross-sectional brain images