Introduction to Physiological Psychology and Biopsychology

Biopsychology

Scientific study of biology's influence on behavior.

Physiological Psychology

Links behavior to brain and organ activity.

Ontogenetic

Development of structure influenced by genes and experiences.

Epigenetic

Influences of environment on gene expression.

Evolutionary Psychology

Studies evolutionary history of behavior and structures.

Functional Explanation

Describes why a behavior evolved as it did.

Neuroanatomy

Study of nervous system structure.

Neurochemistry

Chemical bases of neural activity.

Neuroendocrinology

Interactions between nervous and endocrine systems.

Neuropathology

Study of nervous system disorders.

Neuropharmacology

Effects of drugs on neural activity.

Neurophysiology

Functions and activities of the nervous system.

Experiment

Method to determine causation in research.

Quasi-experimental Study

Studies groups exposed to real-world conditions.

Case Study

In-depth analysis of a single subject.

Cartesian Dualism

Philosophy separating mind and body by Descartes.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Biological approach to psychology and behavior.

Chemical Reactions

Hormones influencing brain activity and muscle control.

Testosterone Influence

Hormone affecting songbird brain area growth.

Sensitive Period

Critical time for learning behaviors, like songs.

Songbird Behavior

Males sing to attract females and establish territory.

Cultural Influences

Societal factors affecting biological differences.

Ancestral Modifications

Evolutionary changes from ancestral species to modern forms.

Cartesian Dualism

Mind-body interaction theory by Rene Descartes.

Reflexes

Automatic responses to stimuli, coined by Descartes.

Pineal Body

Small brain organ for mind-body interaction.

Soul

Descartes' term for what we now call the mind.

Theory of Evolution

Darwin's concept explaining biological changes over time.

Natural Selection

Process favoring traits enhancing survival and reproduction.

Functionalism

Understanding biological phenomena by their useful functions.

Nature vs Nurture

Debate on genetic vs environmental influences on behavior.

Gregor Mendel

Father of Genetics; studied inheritance in pea plants.

Dichotomous Traits

Traits with two distinct forms studied by Mendel.

DNA

Double-stranded molecule with nucleotides and a phosphate backbone.

Chromosome

DNA structure in cell nucleus, tightly coiled by histones.

Mutation

Genetic alteration in an organism's make-up.

Point Mutation

Single nucleotide change in genetic code.

Frameshift Mutation

Insertion or deletion altering genetic sequence.

Chromosomal Aberration

Change in chromosome number or structure.

Evolutionary Development

Study of brain structure evolution across species.

Behavioral Capacities

Abilities linked to evolutionary changes in species.

Selective Advantage

Trait increasing likelihood of survival and reproduction.

Environmental Stimuli

External factors influencing behavior and responses.

Visual Information

Data from eyes processed by the brain.

Pressurized Fluid

Substance diverted by the pineal body to muscles.

Social Dominance

Hierarchy established within social groups.

Central Nervous System

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

Includes cranial and spinal nerves.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements via skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Afferent Nerves

Transmit sensory information to the CNS.

Efferent Nerves

Carry motor commands from the CNS.

Sympathetic Division

Prepares body for 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

Promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Meninges

Protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Fluid cushioning the brain and spinal cord.

Blood-brain Barrier

Protects the brain from harmful substances.

Neuron

Information-processing and transmitting cell of the nervous system.

Dendrites

Receive signals from other neurons.

Cell Body

Contains nucleus and organelles of the neuron.

Axon

Transmits action potentials away from the cell body.

Terminal Buttons

Release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

Glial Cells

Support and protect neurons in the nervous system.

Astrocytes

Maintain blood-brain barrier and nutrient supply.

Oligodendrocytes

Form myelin sheath in the CNS.

Schwann Cells

Form myelin sheath in the PNS.

Gray Matter

Contains neuron cell bodies and synapses.

White Matter

Contains myelinated axons for signal transmission.

Telencephalon

Largest brain division, includes cerebral hemispheres.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain, involved in complex functions.

Primary Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Hippocampus

Involved in spatial memory and learning.

Diencephalon

Located between Telencephalon and Mesencephalon.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

Regulates autonomic functions and homeostasis.

Mesencephalon

Midbrain involved in vision and movement.

Tectum

Responsible for visual reflexes in mammals.

Tegmentum

Prevents unwanted movements.

Metencephalon

Includes cerebellum and pons.

Cerebellum

Controls balance and movement; 'little brain'.

Pons

Regulates sleep-wake cycle and breathing.

Myelencephalon

Contains medulla oblongata, vital for autonomic processes.

Medulla Oblongata

Key conduit for nerve signals; controls heartbeat.

Limbic System

Involved in motivation and emotion.

Hippocampus

Critical for learning and memory.

Amygdala

Processes emotions and emotional memories.

Synaptic Transmission

Communication of neurons via neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses.

Resting Potential

Neuron at -70mV, stable state before activation.

Electrochemical Gradient

Difference in ion concentration and charge.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

Moves sodium out, potassium in; energy-intensive.

Action Potential

Rapid change in membrane potential during impulse.

Depolarization

Decrease in resting membrane potential, e.g., -70 to -67 mV.

Hyperpolarization

Increase in resting membrane potential, e.g., -70 to -72 mV.

Threshold

Critical point for action potential initiation, -50mV.