Ch.8 Flashcards
functions of parts of the brain
Anatomy
effects of neurotransmitters and hormones on brain processes
Biochemistry
Anatomy and Biochemistry
both are related to personality and behaviour
nerve cells
neurons (dendrites, axons)
axons: pass on stimulation
dendrites: receives stimulation
also known as sensory nerves, carry sensory information from the body’s periphery (such as the skin, organs, and sensory receptors) to the central nervous system (CNS).
afferent neurons
also called motor nerves, carry signals from the central nervous system to the muscles, organs, and glands, enabling voluntary and involuntary movements and initiating appropriate responses.
efferent nerves
also referred to as association neurons or connector neurons, are found entirely within the central nervous system. They act as a bridge between afferent and efferent neurons, relaying and integrating information between them.
Interneurons
a conceptual framework used to understand the relationship between the brain and the movements of the hand. It suggests that the brain controls the hand through a hierarchical organization, where different regions of the brain are responsible for specific aspects of hand movement.
the brain hand model
- Electroencephalography (EEG) -electrical impulses
o Magnetoencephalography (MEG) - magnetic impulses
Detects WHEN the brain is working
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Functional Magnetic Resistance Imaging (fMRI)
Detects WHAT PARTS of the brain
are working
since all parts of the brain are always active to some degree
it’s hard to determine if a certain part of the brain is involved in what’s being studied
brain activity in response to stimulus does not mean…
…the same psychological process occurs every time that area is active
the part of the brain that…
- Links perceptions and thoughts with emotional meaning
- Role in negative and positive emotions
- Role in assessing whether a stimulus is threatening or rewarding
- also associated with the fight/flight system
traits associated: anxiety, fearfulness, sociability, and sexuality
Amygdala
the part of the brain that…
- responsible for higher cognitive functions (decision-making, brainstorming, systematic thinking)
- pleasant emotions, approaching behaviors, inhibition reactions to unpleasant stimuli, emotional stability, propensity to get angry (left)
- unpleasant emotions, withdrawal behaviours, neuroticism (right)
- social learning + emotional understanding
- self-control and regulation of impulses and feelings
Frontal Lobes and the Neocortex
Phineas Gage (1848). While working, an iron rod accidentally shot through his skull, damaging his frontal lobes. Remarkably, he survived the incident but experienced significant changes in his personality and behavior.
personality changed in a negative way (impatient, fretful, less emotional, couldn’t hold a job, made unwise decisions)
Elliott. A large tumor at the midline of his brain. It was removed with the cerebral cortex
became peculiar and unemotional and wasn’t able to make good decisions
a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by the delusional belief that a person, usually a close family member or friend, has been replaced by an identical imposter or a duplicate.
Capgras Syndrome (damage to the right frontal lobe)
the part of the brain that…
- is important for experiencing normal emotions
- controlling emotional responses and behavior impulses
- possible implications for extraversion and neuroticism
The Anterior Cingulate
removal or destruction of parts of the prefrontal cortex
Prefrontal lobotomy
the disconnection of the prefrontal cortex from the rest of the brain by cutting or destroying the white matter tracts connecting the prefrontal cortex to other brain regions.
Prefrontal Leucotomy (1937) - less drastic than lobotomy
blood, black bile, yellow bile, phlegm
Galen (Rome AD 130-200) proposed that personality depended on the balance of these humors
- Neurons communicate with
neurotransmitters.
o Hormones stimulate or inhibit neural
activity.
o About 60 chemicals transmit information in the brain and body.
the chemistry of the mind
a class of medications primarily used as antidepressants to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and certain other mood disorders. works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, emotions, and sleep, among other functions.
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
feel good chemicals that are associated with pain and pleasure
Endorphins
chemicals make up neurotransmitters…
…enzymes break them down
- Involved in responding to rewards and approaching attractive objects and people
- Related to sociability, general activity level, and novelty seeking
- Facilitates exploration, approach, and learning
- Associated with extraversion and openness
- Parkinson’s disease (lack of x)
- related to the fundamental personality dimension of plasticity
Dopamine (a neurotransmitter)
a chemical messenger that transmits signals between neurons, allowing for communication within the nervous system. They act as messengers, allowing communication between neurons (nerve cells). they facilitate the transmission of signals between neurons across tiny gaps called synapses.
chemicals that can be released by neurons to mediate the transmission of nerve signals across the synapses between neurons
Neurotransmitter
- Role in inhibition of behavioral impulses
- related to the fundamental personality dimension of stability
- a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger in the brain and plays a crucial role in various physiological and psychological processes, such as mood regulation, sleep, appetite, cognition and memory, regulation of pain and social behaviour
Serotonin (a neurotransmitter)
made in one part of the body and impacts another part of the body. released into the bloodstream
hormones
Released in response to stress to
create the fight-or-flight response
Epinephrine (adrenalin - body) and norepinephrine (brain) (they are both hormones)
nurturing and social behaviors.
relaxation. regulate social bonding, trust, empathy, and various reproductive and maternal behavior aspects.
Oxytocin (hormone)
- concentration in men is about 10 times higher than in women
- link with aggression is complex
- fatherhood temporarily lowers testosterone, and rise after divorce
- role in control and inhibition of aggression and sexuality
Testosterone (horomone)
- released in response to stress (physical/psychological)
- chronically high levels in people with severe stress, anxiety, and depression
- low levels related to ptsd and sensation seeking
Cortisol (hormone)
stability is associated with serotonin…
…and plasticity is associated with dopamine
