P1_3. Biopsychology

1. Nervous System Overview

Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Brain – processes and integrates information; controls behaviour.

  • Spinal cord – transmits signals between brain and body; controls reflexes.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Somatic nervous system – controls voluntary movements; sensory input to CNS.

  • Autonomic nervous system – controls involuntary functions (heart rate, digestion).

    • Includes fight or flight response (prepares body for action under threat).

2. Endocrine System

  • Works alongside nervous system using hormones (chemical messengers).

  • Glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

  • Example: Adrenal glands release adrenaline during stress.

3. Neurons (Nerve Cells)

Types of Neurons

  • Sensory neurons – carry information from senses to the CNS.

  • Relay neurons – connect sensory and motor neurons in the CNS.

  • Motor neurons – carry signals from CNS to muscles to produce movement.

Synaptic Transmission

  • Synapse: gap between neurons.

  • Neurotransmitters released to pass signals across synapse.

  • Effects:

    • Excitation – increases likelihood neuron fires.

    • Inhibition – decreases likelihood neuron fires.

Hebb’s Theory of Learning

  • Learning involves strengthening connections between neurons through repeated activation.

4. Brain Structure & Function

Major Brain Regions

  • Frontal lobe – decision-making, planning, problem-solving. → front

  • Temporal lobe – hearing and memory processing. → temples side

  • Parietal lobe – touch, pressure, spatial awareness. →

  • Occipital lobe – vision. → back

  • Cerebellum – movement coordination and balance. → lower back of head separate

Localisation of Function

  • Specific areas control specific behaviours.

  • Example: Broca’s area – speech production.

Brain Imaging

  • fMRI – measures brain activity by detecting blood flow.

  • Allows study of which areas are active during tasks.

Brain Damage

  • Stroke or injury can affect behaviour depending on area of damage.

  • Example: damage to Broca’s area → speech production problems.