Biological Psychology Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which type of neurons carry sensory information toward the central nervous system?

  • Interneurons
  • Glial Cells
  • Efferent Neurons
  • Afferent Neurons (correct)

    • Efferent neurons carry information away from the central nervous system.

    True

    What is the primary function of glial cells in the nervous system?

    Support and protect neurons

    The _____ barrier protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream.

    <p>Blood-Brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following definitions to their corresponding terms:

    <p>Afferent Neurons = Carry sensory information to the CNS Efferent Neurons = Carry motor information from the CNS Glial Cells = Provide support and insulation for neurons Neurons = Transmit information to other cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the belief that the mind and body are separate substances?

    <p>Dualism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Rene Descartes proposed that the mind and brain interact in the pineal gland.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major problem is raised by biological explanations of behavior?

    <p>The mind-brain problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study of physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience is known as __________.

    <p>biological psychology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the focus of biological psychology?

    <p>Relating biology to psychology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Heredity = Genetic transmission of traits Environment = External factors influencing behavior Evolution of Behavior = Changes in behavior across generations Genes and Behavior = Impact of genetic makeup on actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Current philosophers widely accept dualism as a valid explanation of the mind-brain relationship.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of biological psychology?

    <p>To relate biology to issues of psychology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of gene causes red-green color deficiency in humans?

    <p>Recessive sex-linked gene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A woman can be color deficient if she has only one recessive gene on her X chromosome.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are sex-limited genes primarily known for regulating?

    <p>Traits that are primarily expressed in one sex, such as chest hair in men and breast size in women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Natural selection favors individuals who are more successful in finding _____ and escaping enemies.

    <p>food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Artificial Selection = Selecting individuals with desired traits for breeding Natural Selection = Survival and reproduction of individuals best suited to their environment Sex-Limited Genes = Genes that control traits expressed mainly in one sex Heredity = Genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does evolution refer to in a biological context?

    <p>Change in gene frequencies in populations over generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Behaviors are solely determined by heredity.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Give an example of a behavior that has been linked to certain genes.

    <p>Loneliness or neuroticism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes monism?

    <p>The belief that the universe consists of only one kind of substance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the identity position, every mental experience is completely separate from brain activity.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the evolutionary explanation of behavior focus on?

    <p>The evolutionary history of structures or behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Low levels of dopamine can cause a person to experience __________.

    <p>involuntary movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following explanations with their descriptions:

    <p>Materialism = Everything that exists is material or physical. Mentalism = Only the mind truly exists. Identity Position = Mental experiences and brain activities are the same. Functional explanation = Describes why a structure or behavior evolved as it did.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which explanation focuses on the gradual development of behavior from infancy to adolescence?

    <p>Ontogenetic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Functional explanations do not consider the evolutionary history of a behavior.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which category of monism are psychological experiences explained in purely physical terms?

    <p>Materialism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the thalamus?

    <p>Sensory relay center</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The hippocampus is responsible for movement and mood regulation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structures are included in the basal ganglia?

    <p>Caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ is a small area at the base of the brain that controls feeding, drinking, and temperature regulation.

    <p>hypothalamus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following brain structures with their primary function:

    <p>Hippocampus = Storage of memories Thalamus = Sensory relay center Hypothalamus = Regulates homeostasis Basal Ganglia = Coordination of movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is associated with the deterioration of the basal ganglia?

    <p>Parkinson's disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The epithalamus contains nuclei involved primarily in memory storage.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main subdivisions of the forebrain?

    <p>Prosencephalon and Telencephalon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Biological Psychology

    • Biological Psychology studies the physiological, evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience.
    • Its goal is to relate biology to psychological issues.
    • The proper way to understand behavior is to study how it evolved, how it functions in the brain and the role of other organs in controlling behavior.

    Biological Explanations of Behavior

    • Physiological relates behavior to activity in the brain and other organs.
    • Ontogenetic explains how a structure or behavior develops. Factors include genes, nutrition, experiences, and how these interact.
    • Evolutionary reconstructs the evolutionary history of a structure or behavior.
    • Functional describes why a structure or behavior evolved the way it did.

    The Mind-Brain Relationship

    • Dualism: The belief that the mind and body are separate entities.
      • René Descartes proposed that the mind and brain interact at the pineal gland.
      • This view is rejected by most philosophers and scientists because it contradicts the law of conservation of matter and energy.
    • Monism: The belief that the universe is composed of only one kind of substance.
      • Materialism: Only matter exists. All psychological experiences can be explained physically.
      • Mentalism: Only the mind exists. The physical world depends on a mind.
      • Identity Position: Mental processes are the same as brain activity.

    The Genetics of Behavior

    • Heredity and Environment: Every behavior requires both heredity and environment.
    • The Evolution of Behavior: Evolutionary processes are the changes in gene frequencies across generations.
      • Artificial Selection: Breeders choose organisms with desired traits to create offspring.
      • Natural Selection: Individuals best suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

    The Cells of the Nervous System

    • The nervous system is composed of two cell types: neurons and glia.
    • Neurons transmit information to other cells.
    • Glia do not transmit information over long distances, they support the nervous system.

    The Neuron

    • Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system.
    • They receive information and transmit it to other cells.

    The Glia

    • Support the neurons by:
      • Providing a structural framework for the nervous system.
      • Exchanging chemicals with adjacent neurons.
      • Regulating the chemical environment around the neuron.
      • Removing waste and debris.
      • Guiding the development of neurons.

    Types of Glia

    • Astrocytes: Star-shaped cells that provide structural support and regulate the exchange of chemicals between neurons and blood.
    • Microglia: Immune cells of the brain.
    • Oligodendrocytes: Form myelin in the central nervous system
    • Schwann cells: Form myelin in the peripheral nervous system

    The Blood-Brain Barrier

    • A protective barrier that limits the passage of substances from the blood to the brain.
    • It is essential for maintaining the health and functioning of the brain.

    Synapses & Neurotransmitters

    • Synapses: Junctions between neurons where communication occurs.
    • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that carry information from one neuron to another.

    The Nervous System

    • Comprised of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
    • The CNS is further comprised of the brain and spinal cord.
    • The PNS is a network of nerves that connects the CNS to the body.

    Major Structures of the Brain

    • Hindbrain:
      • Medulla: Controls breathing, heart rate, and other vital functions.
      • Pons: Relay center for sensory information, regulates sleep and arousal.
      • Cerebellum: Coordinates movement, balance, and timing.
    • Midbrain:
      • Tectum: Processes visual and auditory information.
      • Tegmentum: Controls movement and reward.
    • Forebrain:
      • Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions like language, memory, and reasoning.
      • Thalamus: Relay center for sensory information and influences mood and movement.
      • Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis and endocrine function.
      • Limbic System: A group of interconnected structures that processes emotions and learning.
        • Amygdala: Processes fear and other emotions.
        • Hippocampus: Forms new memories.
      • Basal Ganglia: Plays a role in movement, learning, and reward.
      • Ventricles: Fluid-filled cavities within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

    The Cerebral Cortex

    • The outermost layer of the cerebrum.
    • Responsible for:
      • Sensory perception.
      • Motor control.
      • Language.
      • Thinking.
      • Memory.
    • It’s organized into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.

    The Frontal Lobe

    • The most anterior lobe of the brain.
    • Responsible for:
      • Planning.
      • Decision-making.
      • Working memory.
      • Language production.
      • Motor control.
    • The prefrontal cortex is the most anterior part of the frontal lobe.

    The Parietal Lobe

    • Located behind the frontal lobe.
    • Responsible for:
      • Somatosensation.
      • Spatial awareness.
      • Attention.

    The Temporal Lobe

    • Located below the parietal lobe.
    • Responsible for:
      • Auditory processing.
      • Language comprehension.
      • Memory.
      • Emotion.

    The Occipital Lobe

    • Located in the back of the head.
    • Responsible for:
      • Visual processing.

    The Peripheral Nervous System

    • Comprised of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
    • The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements.
    • The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.
      • The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for “fight or flight.”
      • The parasympathetic nervous system calms the body.

    Neurons - Types

    • Afferent neurons bring information into a structure. They carry sensory information from receptors in the skin and other organs to the central nervous system.
    • Efferent neurons carry information away from a structure. They carry motor information from the brain to the peripheral nervous system.

    Sex-Limited Genes

    • Present in both sexes but active/expressed mainly in one sex.
    • Examples: Genes that control amount of chest hair in men, breast size in women, amount of crowing in roosters and rate of egg production in hens.

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    Biological Psychology PDF

    Description

    Explore the fundamental principles of Biological Psychology, covering the physiological, evolutionary, and developmental aspects of behavior. Understand the mind-brain relationship and the significance of various explanations of behavior ranging from ontogenetic to functional. This quiz will test your knowledge about the intricate connections between biology and psychology.

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