Biopsychology - Lecture 3 (Video Notes)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Biopsychology lecture notes.

Biopsychology

The study of how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, thoughts, and emotions.

Nature/nurture

Debate over the relative influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on behavior.

Twin studies

Research design comparing identical and fraternal twins to estimate genetic and environmental contributions.

Genetics vs environment

The interplay between inherited genes and environmental factors in shaping behavior.

Statistical significance

A measure (p-value) indicating the likelihood results are due to chance; often p = .05 or .01.

Correlational study

A study examining the relationship between variables without inferring causation.

Experimental study

A study that manipulates an independent variable to determine causal effects.

Case study

An in-depth examination of a single person or small group.

Falsifiability

The testability of a claim; theories should be testable and capable of being proven false.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS that relay information to and from the CNS.

Somatic nervous system

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and conveys sensory information.

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the PNS that regulates involuntary functions (internal organs).

Sympathetic nervous system

Subcomponent of the autonomic system; prepares body for fight-or-flight (increases heart rate, dilates pupils, etc.).

Parasympathetic nervous system

Subcomponent of the autonomic system; conserves energy and promotes relaxation (slows heart rate, stimulates digestion).

Neurons

Nerve cells; basic units of the nervous system responsible for signaling.

Axon

Long projection that transmits electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons.

Synapse

Junction where neurons exchange signals via neurotransmitters.

Action potential

A brief, rapid electrical impulse that travels down the axon.

Membrane potential

Electrical potential across a neuron's membrane, typically around -70 mV at rest.

Threshold

The critical membrane potential (-55 mV) that triggers an action potential.

Sodium-Potassium pump

Ion transport mechanism that maintains resting potential by moving Na+ out and K+ in; requires energy.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released at synapses to transmit signals between neurons.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter; alcohol can enhance its effects.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter linked to mood; targeted by SSRIs like Prozac.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation.

Endorphin

Endogenous opioid neurotransmitter linked to pain relief and runner's high.

Agonists

Substances that increase neurotransmitter effects by promoting release or activity.

Antagonists

Substances that block neurotransmitter effects or release.

Lesion studies

Brain injury/damage studies (often in animals) to infer function of brain regions.

fMRI

Functional MRI; measures brain activity by detecting blood flow changes.

EEG

Electroencephalography; records electrical activity of the brain.

Phineas Gage

Historical case showing prefrontal cortex damage altered personality and behavior.

Broca's area

Brain region responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's area

Brain region responsible for language comprehension.

Cerebrum

Largest brain region; includes lobes and higher cognitive functions.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory information to the cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates drives, hormones, and autonomic functions.

Amygdala

Emotion processing center, especially fear and arousal.

Visual cortex

Primary area for processing visual information in the occipital lobe.

Primary motor cortex

Brain region (precentral gyrus) that initiates voluntary movement.

Primary somatosensory cortex

Brain region (postcentral gyrus) processing touch and body sensation.

Frontal cortex

Region involved in planning, decision making, and personality.

Prefrontal cortex

Part of the frontal lobe important for executive functions and judgment.

Wernicke's aphasia

Impaired language comprehension due to Wernicke's area damage.

Broca's aphasia

Impaired language production due to Broca's area damage.

Cortex

Outermost brain layer involved in higher-order processing.

Corpus callosum

Bundle of neural fibers connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.

Pituitary gland

Master endocrine gland that releases hormones controlling other glands.

Endocrine system

Glands secreting hormones into the bloodstream; interacts with the nervous system.