OpenStax_Psychology2e_CH03_LectureSlides

PSYCHOLOGY S

• OpenStax Psychology 2e

• Resource Details: © Rice University, CC-BY 4.0 International License

BRAIN IMAGING TECHNIQUES

• Different scanning techniques provide insights into brain function.

• Types of brain scans:

  • PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Analyzes brain activity through glucose metabolism.

  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Uses X-rays to create images of brain structures.

  • fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Monitors brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow.

BIOPSYCHOLOGY

• Focuses on biological mechanisms of behavior.

  • Genetics: Studies inherited gene impacts on physiological and psychological traits.

  • Nervous System: Examines physical structure and function.

  • Endocrine System Interaction: Analyzes how nervous system communication affects hormones and behavior.

HUMAN GENETICS

• Investigates biological underpinnings of behavior and reactions:

  • Variation in disease outcomes among individuals.

  • Exploration of genetic components in psychological disorders.

  • Patterns of genetic diseases across families.

THEORY OF EVOLUTION

• Charles Darwin's Natural Selection:

  • Survival and reproduction favor organisms best adapted to their environment.

  • Examples of beneficial characteristics:

    • Predator avoidance

    • Food acquisition

    • Offspring survival

• Quote: "It is not the strongest... but the one most adaptable to change.”

EXAMPLE: SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

• Disease alters red blood cell shape, causing blockages.

• Common in African descent; carriers resistant to malaria.

• Raises questions about persistence of harmful genetic conditions.

GENETIC VARIATION

• Differences among individuals that facilitate environmental adaptation.

• Begins at fertilization (23 chromosomes each from egg and sperm).

• Chromosomes & DNA:

  • Composed of genetic information; genes dictate traits (e.g., eye color).

• Presence of multiple alleles affects trait variation.

GENOTYPE VS PHENOTYPE

• Genotype: Genetic composition from parents.

• Phenotype: Observable traits resulting from genotype (e.g., hair color, height).

DOMINANT VS RECESSIVE ALLELES

• Traits influenced by multiple genes may be polygenic.

• Alleles can be dominant (visibly expressed) or recessive (expressed when homozygous).

• Heterozygous (Aa) versus Homozygous (AA or aa) definitions.

• Punnett Squares: Tool for predicting gene interaction in offspring.

MUTATIONS

• Sudden genetic changes, can be harmful or beneficial.

GENE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS

• Nature and nurture interplay forms individual complexity.

• Range of Reaction: Genes establish operational limits within which environmental factors interact to determine traits.

• Genetic Environmental Correlation: Genes influence environment which in turn affects gene expression.

• Epigenetics: Examines how environment modifies gene expression.

NEURON STRUCTURE

• Neurons feature a semi-permeable membrane facilitating signal transmission.

• Dendrites receive signals, axons transmit signals.

SYNAPSE

• The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters transfer signals.

• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that convey signals between neurons.

ACTION POTENTIAL

• Sequence that occurs upon neuron firing:

  1. Change in membrane potential due to neurotransmitter binding.

  2. If depolarization threshold is met, an action potential occurs.

  3. All-or-none principle in action potential firing.

REUPTAKE

• Process returning neurotransmitters to axon terminals after signaling.

NEUROTRANSMITTERS

• Key neurotransmitters and their functions:

  • Acetylcholine: Muscle action, memory.

  • Dopamine: Mood, learning, sleep.

  • Serotonin: Mood regulation, sleep.

DRUGS IN NEUROCHEMISTRY

• Psychotropic Medications: Restore neurotransmitter balance.

  • Agonist: Mimics neurotransmitter effects.

  • Antagonist: Blocks receptor activity.

NERVOUS SYSTEM STRUCTURE

• Divided into Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Somatic Nervous System: Controls sensory and motor functions.

• Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates internal organs (Sympathetic - stress response, Parasympathetic - rest functions).

BRAIN STRUCTURES

• Comprised of neurons and glia. Bilateral organization.

• Functional interactions, distinct lobes for specialization.

• Lateralization: Each hemisphere governs different functions (e.g., left for logic, right for creativity).

FOREBRAIN, MIDBRAIN & HINDBRAIN

• Forebrain contains cerebral cortex and limbic system.

• Midbrain manages arousal and motor control.

• Hindbrain regulates autonomic processes (medulla, pons, cerebellum).

CEREBRAL CORTEX: LOBES OF THE BRAIN

• Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital: Each lobe associated with different cognitive tasks.

• Frontal Lobe: Executive functions, motor control (Phineas Gage case study highlight).

• Temporal Lobe: Language comprehension (Wernicke's area role).

• Occipital Lobe: Visual processing area.

THALAMUS AND LIMBIC SYSTEM

• Thalamus: Relay center for sensory integration (except smell).

• Limbic System: Emotional regulation and memory (emphasis on amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus).

MIDBRAIN & HINDBRAIN

• Midbrain: Manages arousal, alertness, and dopamine production (substantia nigra, VTA).

• Hindbrain: Controls survival functions (breathing, heartbeat).

BRAIN IMAGING TECHNIQUES

• CT Scans: Visualizes physical brain structure.

• PET Scans: Analyzes functional activity.

• MRI & fMRI: Detailed imaging of structures and metabolic changes.

• EEG: Tracks electrical brain activity.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• Glands like the pituitary control key body functions; interacts with the nervous system.

• Hormones influence a wide array of psychological and physiological processes.