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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.