checkpoint 3 notes

Reading 1: Genetic Variation

  • each gene exists in alleles + they affect our personality

polygenic: influenced by the interplay of multiple genes working together

  • influenced by the complex interaction of multiple genes instead of a single one

  • life experiences can modify how genes are activated or silenced, which influences the final psychological outcome

Reading 2: Gene-Environment Interactions

range of reactions: our genes set our potential for various skills/aspects, but the environment is ultimately what plays a role in developing those skills

  • you can’t reach your full potential without an environment that supports you

epigenetics: explores how your behaviors/environment causes changes that modify how genes are expressed without altering the dna itself

  • our experiences can change how our phenotypes are expressed, even in people with identical dna (twins)

  • genes and our environment are constantly influencing each other throughout our lives

Reading 3: Cells and Parts of Nervous System

central nervous system (CNS): the command center for processing sensory info, coordinating responses, and controlling bodily functions

  • the brain and spinal cord

parts of the central nervous system:

sensory input: the nervous system receives info from the body’s senses (sight, hearing, touch, etc)

integration: the brain processes + interprets sensory info, letting us make sense of our surroundings + form the right responses

motor output: brain sends signals to muscles and gland based on processed info to instruct them to perform specific actions/responses

peripheral nervous system (PNS): facilitates communication between the CNS + peripheral tissues, organs, and senses

  • the nerves that branch out from the CNS to the rest of the body

parts of the peripheral nervous system:

somatic nervous system: relays sensory + motor info to/from the CNS

  • responsible for conscious activities and voluntary movements

autonomic nervous system (ANS): regulates involuntary functions of internal organs + glands

  • consists of sympathetic + parasympathetic divisions, and they both maintain homeostasis

  • sympathetic system preps the body for stress

  • parasympathetic system restores normal functions

homeostasis: our body in a balanced, relaxed state

structure of neurons

cell body (soma): the metabolic hub of the neuron, houses the nucleus + organelles necessary for cellular functions

  • the central part of the neuron that contains the nucleus + other organelles essential to function

dendrites: branching extensions of the cell body that receive signals from other neurons + transmit them toward the cell body

axon: a long, slender projection that carries signals away from the cell body to other neurons/target cells

terminal buttons: releases neurotransmitters to transmit signals to neighboring neurons or target tells

  • located at the end of the axon

myelin sheath: the insulating layer of the axon + speeds up the transmission of signals

  • a fatty substance that covers the axon

resting potential: an electrical change difference that’s maintained by the neuron when it’s at rest

presynaptic neuron: the neuron that sends the signal

postsynaptic neuron: the receiving neuron

psychotropic medications: targets neurotransmitter systems to restore balance

Reading 4: Brain and Spinal Cord

  • spinal cord sends signals to the brain for processing, lets us move our limbs, control posture, and maintain vital functions such as breathing + digestion

left brain hemisphere: language processing, analytical thinking, and math skills

right hemisphere: creative tasks, spacial reasoning, and interpreting emotions

parts of the cerebral cortex

frontal lobe: planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and personality

parietal lobe: processing sensory info + spacial awareness

temporal lobe: hearing, processing auditory info, and aspects of memory/emotion

occipital lobe: the primary visual processing center that receives signals from the eyes and interpreting those images to better understand the world around us

limbic system: a group of structures that affect our emotions, motivations, and memory formation

amygdala: the emotional alarm system that processes fear + aggression

hippocampus: puts new memories into long-term storage

brainstem: responsible for automatic processes (breathing, heart rate, digestion, etc)

key brain imaging techniques

  • brain imaging data is complex + requires careful interpretation

  1. radiation

  • computerized tomography scans (CT scans): an x-ray that captures detailed images of the brain + helps identify abnormalities such as tumors or shrinkage. they don’t provide info on brain activity.

  1. magnetic fields

  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): MRI uses magnetic fields to create images of the brain structure, ad fMRI tracks blood flow/oxygen levels to see which parts of the brain are the most active during specific tasks. offers insights into the functional org of the brain.

  1. electrical activity

  • electroencephalography (EEG): measures electrical brain activity using electrodes places on the scalp. detects rapid changes in brain activity, which is useful for studying sleep patterns + identifying seizure activity.

  • the spinal cord has processing centers that control reflexes, and our reflexes reflect how our psychological associations trigger automatic physical reactions

  • the brain and spinal cord being connected is our mind + body connection (our thoughts and feeling affect how we control our movements)

  • cbt (cognitive behavioral therapy) helps the mental health of people with spinal cord injuries

neuroplasticity: the brain’s lifelong ability to adapt/reorganize/rewire its neural connections

  • includes synaptic pruning/creation, neurogenesis, and changes in glial cells

Reading 4: Role of Endocrine System and Hormones

endocrine system: a collection of glands that produces hormones regulating metabolism, growth, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood

pituitary gland: receives signals from the brain and releases hormones that regulate the activity of other endocrine glands

  • sits at the base of the brain

  • acts as a control center + also referred to as the master gland

growth hormone: plays a big role in growth + development

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): stimulates the release of hormones from the thyroid

releasing + inhibiting hormones: regulates the release of hormones from other endocrine glands

the thyroid gland: plays a big role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development

  • key hormones are T4 and T3, which regulate metabolism and appetite

  • located in the neck below the adam’s apple

pineal gland: produces melatonin, which regulates biological rhythms such as the sleep cycle

  • located deep within the brain

adrenal glands: on top of the kidneys, produces several hormones that respond quickly to environmental changes

  • produces epinephrine (adrenaline), which is important for the stress response + increases heart rate/alertness

  • produces norepinephrine, which influences the stress response and increases metabolic activities

pancreas: produces digestive enzymes to break down food and releases multiple hormones

  • located behind the stomach

  • produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels by allowing cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream

  • produces glucagon to raise blood sugar levels when they’re too low

gonads: produces sex hormones that influence sexual development, reproduction, and mood

  • ovaries and testes

ovaries: produces estrogen and progesterone to mediate sexual motivation/behavior + play a vital role in reproduction

testes: produces androgens to mediate sexual motivation/behavior and contribute to the development of male sexual characteristics