Intro to Psychology CH3

Explain the role and function of the basic structures of a neuron

  • Neurons: transmit info

    Structure: [D, CB, A]

    • Dendrite, Cell Body, Axon Terminal

Describe how neurons communicate with each other

  • Communicate through electrical impulses called ACTION POTENTIAL

    An inactive neuron has RESTING POTENTIAL

  • Synapse is the process when the sending neuron sends an impulse to the receiving neuron

    • Neurotransmitters are released and decide to fire or not

Explain how drugs act as agonists or antagonists for a given neurotransmitter system

  • Agonist: ACTIVATES receptors → enhances neurotransmitters

    • e.g. ACh: nicotine, black widow venom (muscle actions enhanced)

  • Antagonist: PREVENTS receptor activation → blocks neurotransmitters

    • e.g. ACh: Botulinum Toxin (Botox), curare (paralyzing of the muscles, muscle relaxant)

Describe the differences between the central, peripheral, somatic, autonomic, sympathetic & parasympathetic divisions of the nervous systems

  • Central: brain and spinal: center of body)

  • Peripheral: everything else: sides of the body

  • Somatic: voluntary movements: typing, writing

  • Autonomic: self-regulated actions: breathing, heart beat

  • Sympathetic: arousing: Fight or Flight

  • Parasympathetic: calming: rest and digest

*****Describe the endocrine system and explain its primary responsibilities within the body

  • Endocrine System:

Explain the two hemispheres of the brain, lateralization, and plasticity

  • 2 hemispheres,

Identify the location and function of the lobes of the cerebral cortex

Identify and describe the role of structures in the limbic system, midbrain, and hindbrain

  • Limbic System: emotion and drives

    • Amygdala: emotion

    • Hippocampus: memory

    • Hypothalamus: drives, reward

    • Thalamus: senses [all but smell]

  • Midbrain:

  • Hindbrain

Describe the techniques available to image or scan the brain

Describe the nature vs. nurture debate the techniques psychologists use to learn about the origins of traits

Explain the basic principles of the theory of evolution by natural selection, genetic variation, and mutation

  • Natural Selection:

  • Genetic Variation

  • Mutation

Describe epigenetics and examine how gene-environment interactions are critical for expression of physical & psychological characteristics