The Biological Approach and Biopsychology Flashcards
Biological Approach
Emphasising the importance of physical processes in the body like genetic inheritance and neural function.
Genes
Made up of chromosomes, consisting of DNA which codes the physical and psychological features. Being transmitted from the parents to the offspring.
Biological Structure
The jigsaw puzzle of parts which form an organ, system or living thing.
Neurochemistry
Chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functions.
Genotype
The particular set of genes that a person has.
Phenotype
How these genes are expressed, having been influenced by the genes (nature) and the environment (nurture).
Evolution
The changes in inherited characteristics in a population over extended amounts of time.
Nervous System
Made up of the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Sending information between the CNS and the brain. Along with transmitting information to the muscles and glands to create action.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Consisting of the brain (2% of body weight) and spinal cord, being an organ of complex demands and decisions.
Somatic Nervous System
Transmitting information from the receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. Plus receiving information from the CNS that gives muscles instructions.
Automatic Nervous System
Consisting of the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous System. Transmitting information too and from bodily organs.
Sensory Neuron
Carrying info from the PNS to the CNS. They have long dendrites and short axons.
Relay Neuron
As it says on the tin, connecting sensory neurons to the motor and other relay or interneurons.
Motor Neuron
These connect the CNS to muscles and glands, having short dendrites and long axons.
Endocrine System
Instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are carried towards organs in the body.
Gland
An organ which synthesises substances like hormones, including: the pituatary gland, adrenal gland, testes and the ovaries.
The adrenal glands sit______________. The adrenal cortex produces_________ whereas the adrenal medula produces________.
On top of the kidneys. Cortisol. Adrenaline.
The ovaries produce___________ (spell it)
Oestrogen and Progesterone.
Adrenaline
Produced by the adrenal medulla. Has a large effect on the cardiovasular system.
Synaptic Transmission
How neighbouring neurons communciate with each other by sending chemical messages across the synaptic gap.
Excitation
When a neurotransmittors like adrenaline, increases the positve charge of postsypnatic transmittion. Increasing the likeilhood that the neuron will fire passing on the impulse.
Inbitiory
Serotonin increases the negative charge of the postsypnatic neuron. Decreasing the likelihood taht the neuron will fire and pass on the impulse.
The fight or flight response
The amydala is stimulated along with Short Term SAM and HPA Hazard to protect the body.
