Biological Basis of Behavior and Sensation

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

Dendrites (correct)

Myelin sheath

Axon

Synaptic terminals

GABA is an excitatory neurotransmitter.

False

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

Regulating hormonal functions and maintaining homeostasis.

The ___ is responsible for balance and coordination.

cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of the brain with their functions:

Hippocampus = Memory consolidation Amygdala = Emotional processing Thalamus = Sensory relay Corpus callosum = Communication between hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best distinguishes between sensation and perception?

Sensation is the detection of stimuli by sensory receptors. Signup and view all the answers

Top-down processing relies primarily on prior knowledge and experience.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between obsessions and compulsions in OCD?

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders?

Bipolar I includes manic episodes, while Bipolar II has hypomanic episodes. Signup and view all the answers

The HPA-Axis is primarily involved in the regulation of emotional responses to stress.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is epigenetics?

The study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence. Signup and view all the answers

The amygdala is responsible for processing ______ and emotional responses.

fear Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of selection with their definitions:

Natural selection = Evolution through environmental pressures favoring certain traits Sexual selection = Evolution based on traits that enhance mating success Kin selection = Evolutionary strategy favoring relatives to increase their survival Reciprocal altruism = Behavior that promotes the welfare of another in return for future benefits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major symptom of PTSD?

Increased energy and motivation Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive reappraisal is a strategy used to interpret stressors in a more positive light.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'trade-off' in evolutionary biology?

A situation where an increase in one trait or function comes at the cost of another trait or function. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Basis of Behavior

Neurons have dendrites, axons, and synaptic terminals.
Synaptic communication is the process of communication between neurons.
Action potentials involve ion movement (depolarization), maintaining resting potential (sodium-potassium pump), and reaching a threshold.
GABA is inhibitory, glutamate is excitatory.
Central nervous system (CNS) vs peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Brain lobes and functions (e.g., language areas).
Corpus callosum's role in split-brain patients.
Limbic system structures and functions (amygdala, hippocampus).
Thalamus's role.
Hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Hindbrain (cerebellum, pons, medulla, reticular formation).
Midbrain structures and functions.

Sensation and Perception

Sensation versus perception.
Transduction: converting energy into neural signals.
Types of sensory cells (e.g., cones and rods in the eye).
Senses and the type of energy they transduce (e.g., soundwaves in hearing).
Visual system: eye structure and visual perception (excluding action potential generation).
Hyperpolarization (exception to synaptic transduction, do not need to know the whole process).
Bottom-up vs top-down processing.
Gestalt principles of perception.
Olfactory system: receptors for smells and connection to the limbic system.

Memory and Attention

Memory processing (encoding, consolidating, retrieving).
Long-term potentiation (LTP) and sleep's role in consolidation.
Amygdala function.
Hippocampus function.

Abnormal Psychology

Symptoms of disorders (OCD, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia).
Differentiating between specific phobia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Biological theories for disorders (e.g., serotonin in depression).
Unipolar vs Bipolar disorders
Schizophrenia: positive vs negative symptoms
Common therapy factors.
Trauma and Resilience
HPA-Axis
Role of the Amygdala, Hippocampus, and Prefrontal Cortex (PPC) and Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC).
Definition of trauma (DSM criteria).
PTSD definition.
PTSD major symptoms
Brain networks.
PTSD: hyperactive amygdala, reduced hippocampal volume (predisposition factor).
Epigenetics.
Methylation as a biological process.

Evolutionary Psychology (Relevant to PSY102-6X section only)

Evolution and natural selection vs sexual selection.
K-species vs R-species
Intrasexual and intersexual competition
Hamilton's Rule of relatedness
Individual selection vs kin selection vs. reciprocal altruism
Parental investment, pair-bonding, vs. tournament-species
Biological purpose of emotions.
Trade-offs in biological systems.
Mating strategies in humans.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate workings of the nervous system and the fundamental concepts of sensation and perception in this comprehensive quiz. Delve into topics such as neurons, action potentials, and sensory transduction to enhance your understanding of biological psychology.