Biopsychology: Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of biopsychology?

The social aspects of psychological disorders

The genetic influence on behavior

The chemical processes in the brain

The relationship between behavior and the brain (correct)

Which component is responsible for protein synthesis in a typical cell?

Mitochondria

Nucleus

Ribosomes (correct)

Plasma membrane

What distinguishes the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

CNS is encased in bony structures for protection (correct)

PNS has a limited ability to regenerate

CNS includes the cranial nerves

PNS processes sensory information

Which of the following best describes the structure of the plasma membrane?

A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is ATP, and why is it vital for cellular function?

An energy-rich molecule essential for cellular processes Signup and view all the answers

Which animal species is commonly used in biopsychology research?

Rats and mice Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during transcription in the nucleus?

DNA is transcribed into mRNA by RNA polymerase. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the brain when someone acquires new information?

Synaptic connections are formed or strengthened Signup and view all the answers

Which ion is an example of a divalent cation?

Ca²⁺ Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cranial nerves in relation to the peripheral nervous system?

They connect the CNS to peripheral organs and muscles Signup and view all the answers

How does a neuron differ from other cell types?

Neurons can generate and propagate electrical impulses. Signup and view all the answers

Which modern technique measures electrical activity in neurons?

Electrophysiology Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the axon terminal in a neuron?

Releases neurotransmitters into the synapse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

To insulate the axon and speed up signal transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the neuron doctrine proposed by Ramón y Cajal?

Neurons are the basic building blocks that connect with other neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Nodes of Ranvier in a neuron?

They allow for the regeneration of action potentials. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biopsychology

Focuses on the biological basis of behavior
Explores relationships between the brain, behavior, and psychological phenomena
Also known as "Behavioral Neuroscience"

Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
- Processes and integrates information
- Controls higher brain functions (thought, emotion)
- Protected by the skull, vertebral column, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood-brain barrier
- Limited ability to regenerate after injury
- Responsible for sensory information processing and motor command generation
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves outside the CNS (cranial and spinal nerves)
- Connects the CNS to the body
- Carries sensory information to the CNS and motor commands to muscles
- Exposed to injury; greater regenerative capacity than the CNS

Major Animal Species in Biopsychology Research

Rodents: Rats and mice (dominant model)
Non-human primates: Macaques and marmosets
Aquatic vertebrates: Fish and frogs
Squid: Used for studying neuronal communication
Flies: Used for studying genetics and behavior
Worms: Used for studying basic nervous system functions

Basic Cell Components

Plasma membrane:
- Outer layer, controls what enters and exits the cell
- Composed of a phospholipid bilayer (hydrophobic tails inward, hydrophilic heads outward)
- Selectively permeable (some molecules pass freely, others need channels or active transporters)
Nucleus:
- Contains most of the cell's DNA
- Serves as the cell's control center
Mitochondria:
- Powerhouse of the cell
Responsible for generating ATP (energy)
Ribosomes:
- Sites of protein synthesis

ATP and its Importance

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): Primary energy source in cells
Brain: Uses more energy than any other organ, relying heavily on ATP
Composition: Adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups
Energy Release: Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and a phosphate group releases energy
Importance:
- Powers cellular processes (muscle contraction, active transport, biochemical reactions)
- Essential for metabolism, protein synthesis, and DNA replication

DNA to Protein Process

Transcription:
- Occurs in the nucleus
- DNA is transcribed into mRNA by RNA polymerase
- mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes
Translation:
- Takes place at the ribosome
- tRNA brings amino acids based on codons in mRNA
- Ribosome links amino acids into a polypeptide chain
- Polypeptide folds into a functional protein

Ion Terminology

Cation: Positively charged ion (e.g., Na⁺)
Anion: Negatively charged ion (e.g., Cl⁻)
Monovalent: Ion with a single positive or negative charge (e.g., Na⁺, Cl⁻)
Divalent: Ion with a double positive or negative charge (e.g., Ca²⁺, SO₄²⁻)

Understanding the Brain's Structure and Composition

Early Observations:
- Nissl stain: Stained cell bodies, revealing the nucleus and rough ER
- Golgi stain: Darkened whole cells, but only a small percentage
Microscopy:
- Paved the way for the Neuron Doctrine (Ramón y Cajal)
- The brain is composed of individual neurons
- Neurons connect to each other via long projections
Modern Techniques:
- Neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI, PET scans): Non-invasive brain imaging
- Electrophysiology: Measures electrical activity in neurons
- Molecular biology: Studies the brain at the genetic and protein level

Distinct Features of Neurons

Excitability: Ability to generate and propagate electrical impulses (action potentials)
Synaptic Transmission: Communication via neurotransmitter release at synapses
Unique Structure:
- Dendrites: Receive signals
- Axon: Transmit signals
- Soma (cell body): Integrates signals and contains the nucleus
Polarity: Signals flow in a specific direction (dendrites to axon terminal)

Neuron Structure

Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons
Cell body (soma): Contains the nucleus and other organelles; integrates signals
Axon: Transmits electrical impulses away from the soma
Axon hillock: Junction between the axon and soma; where action potentials are initiated
Myelin sheath: Insulates the axon, speeding up signal transmission
Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated
Axon terminal: Releases neurotransmitters at synapses

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Description

This quiz explores the biological basis of behavior through the lens of biopsychology. It delves into the structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the major animal species utilized in biopsychology research. Test your knowledge on how brain function relates to behavior and psychological phenomena.