Biological basis of pratice Flashcards
What is epigenetics?
Study of mechanisms by which gene expression is modified without changes in organisms genetic sequence.
Population genetics?
Studies about family/twins/adoption. It’s possible that mental health disorders are polygenic.
True or false: Genetics are a risk factor in developing some mental health disorders like schizophrenia or depression
True
What is a comparative approach?
Compares behaviours with other life forms.
What’s a developmental approach?
Studies the nervous system structure across different stages of development
What is chemoarchitectural approach?
Identification of differences in location of neurotransmitters/chemicals throughout the brain
What’s cytoarchitectural approach?
Identifies differences/variations in cell type, structure, and density throughout brain.
What’s a functional approach to neuroanatomy?
Identifies location of predominant control over various behavioural functions within brain
What is neuroplasticity?
Ability of brain to change its structure/function in response to pressures (internal and external). It compensates for loss in a specific area. Nerve signals may be rerouted, cells learn new function, and nerve tissues may be generated.
Left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum/function?
Left- involved in verbal language functions and memory
Right- involved in non verbal communication
What do the 4 lobes of the brain do?
- Frontal- personality, insight/judgement, problem solving
- Temporal- auditory, olfactory areas
- Optical- vision
- Parietal- taste, touch
What is limbic system in charge of?
Involved in some of the basic emotions and memory .
Basal ganglia function?
Motor function so its affected in parkinson’s disease.
What are neurotransmitters?
Small molecules directly/indirectly responsible for opening an closing ion channels
Neuromodulators?
Chemical messengers that make cell membranes more or less susceptible to effects of primary neurotransmitters
What are receptors?
Proteins for specific neurotransmitters. Sensitivity can change and develop a greater/lesser response to neurotransmitters.
What does excitatory and inhibitory mean?
E- causes activity to occur
I- causes activity to decrease
What are cholinergic receptors?
Primary neurotransmitter of parasympathetic NS. Excitatory and follow diffuse projections throughout the cerebral cortex/limbic system. 2 types are muscarinic and nicotinic
Dopamine?
Excitatory neurotransmitter. Involved in cognition/motor/neuroendocrine functions. Simulates bodies feel good pathways. Will be increased in schizophrenia/decreased in parkinson’s.
NE?
Excitatory. Involved in generating/maintaining mood states and sleep cycles. Dysfunction associated with anxiety and depressive disorders.
What is epinephrine?
Similar to NE. Very small amounts of epinephrine are produced and release in the brain. There’s much higher concentrations in the rest of the body.
What is serotonin?
Excitatory, involved in regulation of emotion/cognition/sensory perception/sleep/appetite. Also in food intake, hormone secretion, sexual behaviour, thermoregulation, and CV regulation. Associated with depression, insomnia, mania, OCD, panic disorders, and anxiety disorders.
What is histamine?
Excitatory neurotransmitter that is associated with arousal/cognition/learning/memory/sleep/appetite/seizures. Many psych meds can block histamine causing side effects like sedation, weight gain, and hypoTN.
What is GABA?
Inhibitory neurotransmitter that’s associated with seizure disorders and certain drug affinity
