Biological Psychology Flashcards
BioPsychology
A branch of psychology interested in discovering the biological bases of our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Three basic parts of neuron
- Soma (body)
- Axon
- Dendrites
Neurons
Cells specialised for communicating information, the basic building blocks of the nervous system
Dendrites
Part of neurons that conduct action potentials TOWARD the cell body
Axon
The part of the neuron that conducts action potential AWAY from cell body
Damage to Myelin Sheath causes which disorder?
Multiple Sclerosis (causes jerky uncoordinated movements)
Blood-Brain Barrier
Function of the glial cells that prevent certain substances in the blood stream from reaching the brain
- Only lipid soluble substances can enter the brain (oxygen and carbon dioxide)
- prevents hydron and bicarbonate from entering
Graded Potential (Neuron Communication)
A basic type of signal within neurons that results from external physical stimulation of the dendrite or cell body. The magnitude of graded potentials varies in proportion to the size of the stimulus.
Action Potential (Neuron Communication)
A rapid shift in electrical charge across cell membrane of neurons. Communicates information within neurons.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals released by neurons that carry information across the synapse
Synaptic Vesicles
Structures in Axon terminals that contain neurotransmitters
ICS
Intracranial Self-Stimulation
Used to study synaptic transmissions in the brain
Pleasure Centre (ICS discovery)
Medial Forebrain Bundle of nerve fibres
Afferent nerves
Carry information from sensory receptors to brain
Efferent Nervous
Carry information from brain to muscles and glands
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- measures brain activity by creating a magnetic field - all live tissue contains hydrogen molecules that create measurable waves in a magnetic field
EEG
Electroencephalography
- electrodes placed on different parts of the skull to measure electrical activity in the brain
PET scan
Positron Emission Tomography
- measure metabolism in brain - increased blood flow during neural activity which is then measured
- harmless radioactive isotopes released in the blood
SQUID
Superconducting Quantum Interference Device
- produces images based on ability to detect tiny changes in magnetic fields in the brain
ERPs
Event Related Potentials
- An event-related potential (ERP) is the measured brain response that is the direct result of a specific sensory, cognitive, or motor event.
Components of Brain Stem
- Medulla
- Pons
- Reticular Formations
- Cerebellum
Medulla
- breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, coughing and sneezing
Reticular formations
- sleep and arousal, muscle tone, cardiac and circulatory reflexes, attention
Cerebellum
Help do motor activities in a synchronised fashion. May also help in learning
Mid Brain
- Superior Colliculi - vision
- Inferior Colliculi - hearing
- Pain perception, guidance, and control of motor movements
