Ch 3 Powerpoint Flashcards
What is biopsychology?
Biopsychology explores the biological mechanisms that underlie behavior.
What are the three brain imaging techniques mentioned?
- PET scan (positron emission tomography)
- CT scan (computed tomography)
- fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)
What does studying human genetics help researchers understand?
The biological basis underlying different behaviors, thoughts, and reactions of humans.
Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?
Charles Darwin
What is the significance of sickle cell anemia in the context of evolution?
Carriers of the sickle cell gene are thought to be immune from malaria, demonstrating adaptation to the environment.
Define genetic variation.
The genetic difference between individuals that contributes to a species’ adaptation to its environment.
What is a chromosome?
A long strand of genetic information known as DNA.
What is DNA?
A helix-shaped molecule made of nucleotide base pairs.
What is a gene?
A sequence of DNA that controls or partially controls physical characteristics known as traits.
Differentiate between genotype and phenotype.
- Genotype: Genetic makeup of an individual based on inherited DNA
- Phenotype: Observable characteristics such as hair color, skin color, height, and build.
What are dominant and recessive alleles?
- Dominant allele: Always expressed in phenotype
- Recessive allele: Expressed only if homozygous (inherited from both parents)
What is a Punnett square?
A tool used to predict how genes will interact in the production of offspring.
What is a mutation?
A sudden, permanent change in a gene.
What does range of reaction assert?
Our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall.
What is epigenetics?
The study of gene-environment interactions, such as how the same genotype leads to different phenotypes.
What is the function of a neuron?
Transmits electrical signals through its structure.
What is the role of the myelin sheath?
Insulates axons and allows the signal to travel down the axon quicker.
Define action potential.
An electrical signal that occurs when the level of charge reaches the threshold of excitation.
What is reuptake?
The process of moving a neurotransmitter from the synapse back into the axon terminal.
What is a neurotransmitter?
A chemical messenger of the nervous system.
List five key neurotransmitters and their functions.
- Acetylcholine: Muscle action and memory
- Beta-endorphin: Pain and pleasure
- Dopamine: Mood, sleep, and learning
- Norepinephrine: Heart, intestines, and alertness
- Serotonin: Mood and sleep
What are psychotropic medications?
Drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring neurotransmitter balance.
Differentiate between agonists and antagonists.
- Agonist: Mimics or strengthens the effects of a neurotransmitter
- Antagonist: Blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter.
What are the two major parts of the nervous system?
- Central Nervous System
- Peripheral Nervous System
What are the components of the Peripheral Nervous System?
- Somatic nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
What is the sympathetic nervous system responsible for?
Involved in stress-related activities and functions; prepares the body for fight or flight.
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
Associated with routine operations of the body under relaxed conditions.
What is lateralization in the brain?
The concept that each hemisphere of the brain is associated with specialized functions.
Name the three main categories of the brain.
- Forebrain
- Midbrain
- Hindbrain
What does the cerebral cortex control?
Higher level processes such as consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory.
What functions are associated with the frontal lobe?
- Executive functioning
- Motor control
- Emotion
- Language
What is Broca’s area responsible for?
Essential for language production.
What happened to Phineas Gage after his accident?
He exhibited changes in personality due to damage to his frontal lobe.
What is the function of the motor cortex?
Involved in planning and coordinating movement.
What cognitive function is the prefrontal cortex responsible for?
Higher-level cognitive functioning.
What is Broca’s area essential for?
Language production.
What happens when Broca’s area is damaged?
Difficulties producing language.
What notable event occurred to Phineas Gage?
An iron rod penetrated his skull and frontal lobe.
What personality changes did Phineas Gage exhibit after his accident?
Became odd and inappropriate, indicating loss of impulse control.
What part of the brain is involved in processing sensory and perceptual information?
Parietal lobe.
What is the primary function of the somatosensory cortex?
Processing sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.
Which lobe is associated with hearing, memory, emotion, and aspects of language?
Temporal lobe.
What is the role of the auditory cortex?
Responsible for processing auditory information.
What does damage to Wernicke’s area result in?
Difficulty understanding language.
What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?
Visual processing.
What does the thalamus do?
Serves as the relay center for most senses before processing.
Which part of the limbic system is involved in emotional experiences?
Amygdala.
What is the primary function of the hippocampus?
Learning and memory, particularly spatial memory.
What does the hypothalamus regulate?
Homeostatic processes like body temperature and appetite.
What is the function of the reticular formation?
Regulating the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity.
Where is dopamine produced in the brain?
Substantia Nigra and ventral tegmental area (VTA).
What automated processes does the medulla control?
Breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
What is the role of the pons?
Connects the brain and spinal cord; regulates sleep activity.
What does the cerebellum control?
Balance, coordination, movement, and some types of memory.
What imaging technique uses x-rays?
CT scan.
What is the purpose of a PET scan?
Shows activity in different parts of the brain.
What does an fMRI show?
Changes in metabolic activity over time.
What does EEG stand for?
Electroencephalography.
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
Serves as the master gland controlling secretions of other glands.
What hormone does the thyroid secrete?
Thyroxine.
What is the adrenal gland associated with?
Secreting hormones involved in the stress response.
What do gonads secrete?
Sex hormones important for reproduction.
What neurotransmitter is involved in muscle action and memory?
Acetylcholine.
What effect does dopamine have on behavior?
Increased pleasure and suppressed appetite.
What is the potential effect of GABA on behavior?
Decreased anxiety and tension.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is involved in modulating mood and sleep.
Serotonin
