BIOPSYCHOLOGY Flashcards
Biological rhythms
These are a natural periodic cycles that occur often to regulate bodily functions such as sleep, metabolism and body temperature. It can be circadian (occur once a day), or infradian (take longer than a day ). Biological rhythms are regulated by endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgeibers
Brocas area
Region of the brain identified by Paul broca during a post mortem examination. It is in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere and damage to this area results in difficulties in speech production. Brocas aphasia, people having problem speaking in complete sentences but still have good comprehension of speech
Circadian rhythm
A type of biological rhythms that occurs once every 24 hrs for example sleep/wake cycle
Cognitive neuroscience
The scientific study of how cognitive functions emerge from the physical and chemical activity of neurons and biological structures in the brain. This is based on research suing a range of brain imaging techniques such as FMRI, EEGS and ERPS. Cognitive neuroscience has established links between memory and hippocampus
Endogenous pacemakers
An internal body clock that helps regulate biological rhythms. An important one in mammals is the SCN which is located in the hypothalamus and responds to signals from the retina which regulates the sleep/wake cycle
Exogenous zeitgebers
These are external cues the help regulate our internal biological clocks and therefore influence biological rhythms. E.g. light and temperature
FMRI
Stands for functional Magnetic Resonance imaging. This is a brain imaging technique which uses a magnetic field and radio signals to monitor the blood flow in the brain. Areas of the brain that are involved in activity done by the person during scaninng have a greater blood oxygenation and flow.
Hemispheric lateralisation
Refers to the idea that the left and right brain hemispheres have specialised functions so that some behaviours are localised to the left or right.
What is the left hemisphere localised to do?
This is considered to be the language centre and contains the Broca’s area and wernicks
What how is the right hemisphere localised?
Generally associated with spatial abilities and facial recognition among other behaviours
Infradian rhythms
A type of biological rhythm that occurs less frequently than once every 24 hours. This could be something that happens weekly, monthly or even annually. The menstrual cycle is a good example of a an infradian biological rhythm.
Localisation of function
A theory within psychology that specific regions of the brain are specialised for specific functions. An example of this is that the occipital lobes control visual function or the motor cortex is specialised to allow movement
Plasticity
The idea that the brain is malleable. The brain has the ability to change, reorganise and adapt as a result of experience through changing synaptic connections.
Ultradian rhythm
A type of biological rhythm that occurs throughout the 24 hour day. REM occurs throughout the day in many physical and mental functions and during sleep there is a pattern of cycles that alternates between REM sleep and NON REM. In each cycle there are 5 stages, the first 4 are NREM and the 5th REM and each cycle lasts about 90 minutes
Wernickes area
Region of the brain located in the temporary lobe and in the left hemisphere. Involves language comprehension. Damage to this can result in wernicke’s aphasia where patients may produce fluent but incoherent speech and have difficulty understanding spoken and written Language
Adrenaline
The adrenal medulla is responsible for releasing adrenaline, plays a key role in fight or flight response. It causes a number os physiological changes to prepares the body (Increased heart rate, pupil dilation)
Autonomic nervous system
Plays an important role in homeostasis, which maintains in balance internal processes like body temperature or heart rate. This system consists of two components 1) the sympathetic nervous system 2) the parasympathetic system
The CNS
Consist of the brain and spinal cord.
EEG
Woks on the information that is processed in teh brain as electrical activity in the form of action potential and nerve impulses. EEG scanners measure this through electrodes attached to the scalp. Small electrical charges are detected by the electrodes.
Endocrine system
Works alongside the nervous system. It is a network of glands across the body that secrete chemical messages called hormones.
Event related potential (ERP)
Use electrodes that are attached to the scalp, as with EGG. However, the key difference is that a stimulus is resented to a participant (for example a picture) and the researcher looks for teh activity related to that stimulus
Excitation
Excitatory neurotransmitters make the post synaptic cell more likely to fire. If an excitatory neurotransmitter binds to the post synaptic receptor it will cause an electrical charge in the cell membrane which results in an excitatory post synaptic potential (ESP) which makes the post snynaptic more likely to fire
Fight or flight
When someone enters a potentially stressful situation, the amygdala (part of the limbic system) is activated, the amydala responds to sensory input (see, hear, smell) and connects sensory input with emotions associated with the fight or flight response (fear and anger)
Functional recovery
It’s the transfer of functions from a damaged areas of the brain after trauma, to other undamaged areas. It takes place through a process called neuronal unmasking, where ‘dormat’ synapses, open connections to compensate for a damaged area of the brain
