Biopsychology Notes PDF

SEPTEMBER 24 Introduction To Courses Psychology Topic biopsychology SEPTEMBER 24 1  💡 For Revision NEURON...

SEPTEMBER 24 Introduction To Courses Psychology Topic biopsychology SEPTEMBER 24 1  💡 For Revision NEURON 💡 NOTES CELLS IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM STRUCTURE Glial cells provide physical and metabolic support to neurons, including neuronal insulation and communication, and nutrient and waste transport. Neurons (right) act as interconnected information processors We have billions of neurons in our body. 3 MAJOR CENTERS OF THE BRAIN FOREBRAIN Located in the higher/upper level of the brain Makes up almost half of the brain Cerebrum The bigger part of the two parts Thalamus- considered as the relay center of the brain where all the senses except smell are routed for processing Hypothalamus- serves as the interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Responsible for regulating, emotions particularly, aggression, hunger and thirst, sexual motivation and behavior and, a number of homeostatic processes SEPTEMBER 24 2  Limbic System Amygdala- responsible for experiencing emotions and tying emotional meanings to our memories. May result in being apathetic if damaged or removed. Hippocampus- responsible for learning and memory. May result in alzheimer's disease or/and amnesia if damaged. 4 SECTIONS OF THE FOREBRAIN Frontal Lobe Located at the front responsible for decision making Broca’s area- language/speech production Motor cortex- planning and coordinating movement Prefrontal cortex- higher level cognitive functioning (critical thinking) Temporal Lobe Located just behind the temple Responsible for memory and emotion Auditory cortex- processes auditory information Wernicke’s area- language/speech comprehension) SEPTEMBER 24 3  Parietal Lobe Located at the top part of the brain Organized topographically, which means that spatial relationships that exist in the body are maintained on the surface of the somatosensory cortex Somatosensory cortex- responsible for processing sensory information Occipital Lobe Located at the back part of the brain Organized retinotopically, which means there is a close relationship between the position of an object in a person’s visual field and the position of that object’s representation on the cortex Primary visual cortex- responsible for processing and interpreting visual information MIDBRAIN The smallest part of the brain Responsible for pain Substantia Nigra latin for black substance the ventral tegmental area (VTA) contain cell bodies that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, and are critical for movement. Reticular Formation SEPTEMBER 24 4  responsible for the circadian rhythm (sleep & wake cycle), arousal, alertness, motor activities may lead to comatose if damaged HINDBRAIN Located at the lower part of the brain Medulla responsible for the automatic process of the autonomic nervous system such as breathing, blood pressure and blood rate also responsible for salivating and chewing Pons Connects the brain and the spinal cord Without it the brain would not be able to receive and retrieve messages or information. Cerebellum “little brain” responsible for balance, coordination, movement and motor skills may result in “ataxia” or lack of balance or control of muscles if damaged SEPTEMBER 24 5 SEPTEMBER 24 6