Psychobiology Flashcards
What makes up a neuron?
A cell body, an axon, and dendrites
What is a synpase?
A tiny gap between neurons
What is SSRI, and explain it in details?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It’s linked to antidepressants. Usually, people with low serotonin takes it. After serotonin is released, the sending neuron usually takes it back. But if the neuron is stopped from doing this, more serotonin stays between the neurons, helping them communicate better and improving mood.
What is the pineal gland?
This part of the brain helps control sleep by producing a hormone called melatonin. It releases more melatonin when it’s dark, making you feel sleepy, and less when it’s light, helping you stay awake.
Explain what Dopamine is
Dopamine is a hormone associated with pleasure and motivation.
* It is released during enjoyable activities
* The brain releases dopamine to encourage behaviors that are beneficial.
* Behaviors that are harmful or unpleasant do not trigger dopamine release.
What is a neuron?
A specialized cells that send impulses in the brain.
Explain neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help neurons (nerve cells) communicate with each other. When a neuron sends an electrical signal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into a gap called the synapse. These chemicals then bind to receptors on the next neuron to pass along the message.
Explain synapse
A synapse is the small gap or junction between two neurons where communication occurs. It is the site where one neuron communicates with another or with an effector (such as a muscle or gland).
Explain how neurotransmission works
Neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine) travel across the synapse and bind to receptors on neighboring neurons, influencing their activity. This process governs everything from mood and emotions to movement and thought.
Explain the function of a synapse
A synapse is the small gap or junction between two neurons where communication occurs. It is the site where one neuron communicates with another or with an effector (such as a muscle or gland.
What is the black box?
Input: Stimuli or information received from the environment (e.g., sensory input).
Processing: Internal mechanisms in the nervous system (the “black box”) that analyze and interpret the input.
Output: Behavioral responses or actions resulting from the processing, such as physical reactions or emotional responses.
Key Point: The black box describes the processing stage between input and output, emphasizing that the internal workings of the nervous system are complex and often hidden.
Explain René Descartes believes
Descartes introduced the idea that some behaviors, like reflexes, are automatic and do not require conscious thought. He proposed Cartesian Dualism, suggesting the mind and body interact, particularly in the pineal gland.
Explain reductionism in psychobiology
This approach simplifies complex behaviors by studying their fundamental components. For example, to understand the fear response, researchers focus on the role of the amygdala.
What is the occipital lobe and where is it located?
Its the visual processing area of the brain and located in the back.
Explain the gas-filled tube theory
How the mind interacts with the body. He proposed that the mind sends “animal spirits” through hollow tubes (nerves) to trigger movement in the body, like how gas flows through a tube to create motion. This analogy aimed to explain the mechanism of reflexes and voluntary actions, illustrating his belief that the mind and body, while separate entities, could still influence each other.
Explain Luigi Galvani’s Discovery
He discovered that nerves transmit electrical impulses. He demonstrated this with frog experiments, showing that muscles could contract due to nerve impulses even without brain involvement. The neuron is the key to producing movements
What was the outcome of the frog experiement?
The movement relies on electrical messages sent by neurons.
Explain the Neural Transduction
Neural transduction refers to the conversion of external stimuli (such as light, sound, or touch) into electrical impulses (neural signals) that can be interpreted by the brain
Describe the two Two types of neurons: motor and sensory.
Motor nerves control muscle movement.
Sensory nerves relay information to the brain.
Explain the model:
(Brain) —> (Nerve) —> (Muscle)
The brain sends a signal to the nerves, which carry it to the muscles. When the signal reaches the muscle, it triggers a contraction, causing movement. This process allows the brain to control voluntary actions like walking or lifting an arm.
What is basal ganglia?
Think of it as a team of different brain parts that work together to make sure your movements are smooth and well-coordinated.
Key Roles:
Helps initiate and control smooth movements.
Involved in learning habits and motor skills.
Dysfunction in the basal ganglia is linked to movement disorders like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
Explain the somatosensory cortex and what it does
Its a part of the brain that processes sensory information from your body. It helps you feel things like touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
- Located in the parietal lobe of the brain.
- It receives signals from all over your body, allowing you to sense where your body is and what it’s feeling.
It helps you recognize things like the texture of an object or the temperature of a surface.
In short, the somatosensory cortex lets your brain understand what’s happening with your body through touch and other sensations
Whats the main function of the cerebellum?
The cerebellum is a part of the brain that helps control balance, coordination, and fine movements. It ensures that your movements are smooth and precise.
What is myelin sheath, and what is the purpose of it?
The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that covers and protects the axons of some nerve cells (neurons).
Purpose:
Insulation: It helps keep electrical signals from leaking out, like how insulation keeps electricity from escaping a wire.
Speed: The myelin sheath makes signals travel faster along the nerve, allowing quick communication between different parts of the body.
Protection: It also protects the axon from damage.