Biological Psychology and Neurons

Questions and Answers

What is biological psychology?

A type of therapy based on biological principles

A branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior (correct)

A study focused on biological organisms without considering psychology

The study of psychological phenomena through biological methods

What is a neuron?

A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system

What is the function of the axon?

The extension of a neuron through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands

Define myelin sheath.

A layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the fibers of many neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is action potential?

A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon Signup and view all the answers

What does the term threshold refer to?

The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse Signup and view all the answers

What is a synapse?

The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers that traverse the synaptic gap between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of acetylcholine?

Muscle action, learning, associated with Alzheimer’s Signup and view all the answers

What role do endorphins play?

Linked to pain control and pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Define the nervous system.

The body's speedy, electrochemical communication system Signup and view all the answers

What is the central nervous system?

The brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What does the peripheral nervous system do?

Connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body Signup and view all the answers

What are nerves?

Neural 'cables' containing many axons Signup and view all the answers

What do sensory neurons do?

Carry incoming information from the sense receptors to the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interneurons?

Central nervous system neurons that internally communicate and intervene Signup and view all the answers

What do motor neurons do?

Carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands Signup and view all the answers

Define the somatic nervous system.

The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles Signup and view all the answers

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

The glands and the muscles of the internal organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Arouses and accelerates the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations Signup and view all the answers

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

Calms the body, conserving its energy Signup and view all the answers

Define a reflex.

A simple, automatic, inborn response to a sensory stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What are neural networks?

Interconnected neural cells that can learn with experience Signup and view all the answers

What does a lesion refer to?

Tissue destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain Signup and view all the answers

What does a CT (computed tomography) scan do?

A series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles to create a composite representation of a slice through the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a PET (positron emission tomography) scan?

A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task Signup and view all the answers

What is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)?

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the brainstem responsible for?

Automatic survival functions Signup and view all the answers

What does the medulla control?

Heartbeat and breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the reticular formation?

Controls arousal Signup and view all the answers

What is the thalamus known as?

The brain's sensory switchboard Signup and view all the answers

What does the cerebellum help with?

Helps coordinate voluntary movement and balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the limbic system associated with?

Emotions such as fear and aggression, and drives for food and sex Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the amygdala?

Linked to emotion Signup and view all the answers

Define the hypothalamus.

Emotion, sexual pleasure, drinking, eating, and body temperature regulation Signup and view all the answers

What does the cerebral cortex serve as?

The body's ultimate control and information-processing center Signup and view all the answers

What are glial cells?

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons Signup and view all the answers

What do frontal lobes mainly involve?

Speaking, muscle movements, and making plans and judgments Signup and view all the answers

What are parietal lobes associated with?

Senses except vision and body position Signup and view all the answers

What do occipital lobes include?

The visual areas Signup and view all the answers

What functions are associated with the temporal lobes?

Hearing, storing, and learning memories Signup and view all the answers

What does the motor cortex control?

Voluntary movements Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sensory cortex?

Registers and processes body sensations Signup and view all the answers

What does aphasia refer to?

Impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage Signup and view all the answers

What area is involved in speech?

Broca's area Signup and view all the answers

What is Wernicke's area responsible for?

Understanding language Signup and view all the answers

What does plasticity refer to in the brain?

The brain's capacity for modification and reorganization following damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the corpus callosum?

The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by cutting the connecting fibers between brain hemispheres?

Split brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the endocrine system?

The body's 'slow' chemical communication system, consisting of glands Signup and view all the answers

What are hormones?

Chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system Signup and view all the answers

What do adrenal glands secrete?

Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands Signup and view all the answers

What are association areas in the brain involved in?

Thinking Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of dendrites?

Receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body Signup and view all the answers

What does an agonist do?

Speeds up neural activity Signup and view all the answers

What does an antagonist do?

Slows down neural activity, example: botox Signup and view all the answers

What role does dopamine play?

Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion Signup and view all the answers

What effect does serotonin have?

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal Signup and view all the answers

What does norepinephrine help control?

Alertness and arousal Signup and view all the answers

What is GABA?

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter, associated with seizures and insomnia Signup and view all the answers

What is glutamate known for?

Excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Psychology and Neurons

Biological psychology explores the connections between biological processes and behavior.
Neurons serve as the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, facilitating communication throughout the body.

Neuron Structure

The axon of a neuron extends and transmits messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands via terminal fibers.
The myelin sheath, a layer of fatty tissue, enhances the transmission speed of neural impulses by insulating axons.

Neural Functions

Action potential refers to a brief electrical charge that occurs when a neuron fires.
The threshold represents the necessary level of stimulation to trigger an action potential.

Synapses and Neurotransmitters

Synapses are the junction points between neurons where neurotransmitters transmit signals.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that cross synaptic gaps, influencing other neurons.

Key Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine: Involved in muscle action and learning; associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Endorphins: Act as natural painkillers and are linked to pleasure.

Nervous System Overview

The nervous system is an electrochemical communication network composed of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system links the central system to the body's other parts.

Types of Neurons

Sensory neurons convey information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
Interneurons process information within the central nervous system.
Motor neurons carry messages away from the central nervous system to prompt actions in muscles and glands.

Nervous System Divisions

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion through the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Reflex Actions

Reflexes are automatic responses to stimuli, highlighting the nervous system's rapid action.

Neural Networks and Techniques

Neural networks consist of interconnected neurons capable of learning through experience.
Lesions indicate areas of tissue destruction, often studied to understand brain functions.

Brain Imaging Techniques

EEG (Electroencephalogram) records electrical activity in the brain.
CT (Computed Tomography) scans provide composite images from various x-ray angles.
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans display brain activity via glucose consumption.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic fields for detailed brain imaging.

Brain Structure and Function

The brainstem is responsible for basic survival functions and connects the brain to the spinal cord.
The medulla controls automatic functions like heartbeat and breathing.
The thalamus acts as a sensory relay station, directing incoming sensory information.

Cerebellum and Limbic System

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and maintains balance.
The limbic system regulates emotions and drives, such as hunger and sexuality, with the amygdala linked to fear responses.

Cerebral Cortex and Lobes

The cerebral cortex is the main control center for information processing.
The frontal lobes manage speech, movement, planning, and judgment.
The parietal lobes integrate sensory information related to touch and body positioning.
The occipital lobes handle visual processing.
The temporal lobes are involved in hearing and memory.

Additional Brain Features

The motor cortex is responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements.
The sensory cortex processes sensory input from the body.
Aphasia is language impairment from damage to relevant brain areas.

Brain Plasticity and Communication

Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself, particularly after injury or due to experience.
The corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating interhemispheric communication.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system operates as the body's slow chemical communication network, utilizing hormones to send messages throughout the body.
The adrenal glands release epinephrine and norepinephrine, aiding stress responses.
The pituitary gland, under hypothalamic influence, regulates growth and other endocrine functions.

Neurotransmitter Roles

Dopamine is crucial in movement, learning, and emotional responses, with implications in conditions like schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
Serotonin influences mood, appetite, and sleep, with links to obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment.
Norepinephrine plays a role in alertness and arousal.
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, associated with conditions like seizures.
Glutamate serves as an excitatory neurotransmitter, vital for memory function.

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Description

This quiz delves into the relationship between biological processes and behavior, focusing on the structure and function of neurons. Explore key concepts such as action potentials, synapses, and neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in communication within the nervous system.