Biological Psychology

Question 1

BioPsychology

Answer 1

A branch of psychology interested in discovering the biological bases of our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Question 2

Three basic parts of neuron

Answer 2

1. Soma (body)
2. Axon
3. Dendrites

Question 3

Neurons

Answer 3

Cells specialised for communicating information, the basic building blocks of the nervous system

Question 4

Dendrites

Answer 4

Part of neurons that conduct action potentials TOWARD the cell body

Question 5

Axon

Answer 5

The part of the neuron that conducts action potential AWAY from cell body

Question 6

Damage to Myelin Sheath causes which disorder?

Answer 6

Multiple Sclerosis (causes jerky uncoordinated movements)

Question 7

Blood-Brain Barrier

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Graded Potential (Neuron Communication)

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Action Potential (Neuron Communication)

Answer 9

A rapid shift in electrical charge across cell membrane of neurons. Communicates information within neurons.

Question 10

Neurotransmitters

Answer 10

Chemicals released by neurons that carry information across the synapse

Question 11

Synaptic Vesicles

Answer 11

Structures in Axon terminals that contain neurotransmitters

Question 12

ICS

Answer 12

Intracranial Self-Stimulation

Used to study synaptic transmissions in the brain

Question 13

Pleasure Centre (ICS discovery)

Answer 13

Medial Forebrain Bundle of nerve fibres

Question 14

Afferent nerves

Answer 14

Carry information from sensory receptors to brain

Question 15

Efferent Nervous

Answer 15

Carry information from brain to muscles and glands

Question 16

MRI

Answer 16

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

Question 17

EEG

Answer 17

Electroencephalography

- electrodes placed on different parts of the skull to measure electrical activity in the brain

Question 18

PET scan

Answer 18

Positron Emission Tomography

• measure metabolism in brain - increased blood flow during neural activity which is then measured
• harmless radioactive isotopes released in the blood

Question 19

SQUID

Answer 19

Superconducting Quantum Interference Device

- produces images based on ability to detect tiny changes in magnetic fields in the brain

Question 20

ERPs

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Components of Brain Stem

Answer 21

1. Medulla
2. Pons
3. Reticular Formations
4. Cerebellum

Question 22

Medulla

Answer 22

• breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, coughing and sneezing

Question 23

Reticular formations

Answer 23

• sleep and arousal, muscle tone, cardiac and circulatory reflexes, attention

Question 24

Cerebellum

Answer 24

Help do motor activities in a synchronised fashion. May also help in learning

Question 25

Mid Brain

Answer 25

1. Superior Colliculi - vision
2. Inferior Colliculi - hearing
3. Pain perception, guidance, and control of motor movements