Unit 3

Question 1

Biological Psychology

Answer 1

the scientific study of links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes.
- Includes neuroscience, behavior genetics, neuropsychology, and evolutionary psychology

Question 2

Phrenology
(Franz Gall)

Answer 2

1880 - suggested that bumps of the skull represented mental abilities and character traits. His theory though incorrect, nevertheless proposed different mental abilities were modular. Modern neurology and physical anthropology have refuted the theory and consider its use a form of quackery.
was incorrect, but paved the way for understanding that the brain has different sections

Question 3

Neuron

Answer 3

individual nerve cells, the basic building block of the nervous system. The body’s information system is built from billions of these interconnectedly

Question 4

Soma (cell body)

Answer 4

life support center of the neuron

Question 5

Dendrite

Answer 5

branching extensions at the cell body Receives messages from other neurons

Question 6

Axon

Answer 6

long single extension of a neuron, covered with Myelin sheath. Sends info

Question 7

Myelin Sheath

Answer 7

insulates and speeds up messages through neurons

Question 8

Terminal Branches of axon

Answer 8

branched ending of axons. Transmitting messages to other neurons

Question 9

Threshold - tipping point of a neuron

Answer 9

when the neuron is stimulated by pressure, heat, light, or chemical messages, the electrical charge inside the axon can reach a tipping point (slightly more positive than the resting potential) known as the threshold

Question 10

Action Potential

Answer 10

a neural impulse. A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon generated by the movement of positively charged atoms (called ions) in and out of channels in the axon’s membrane.

Question 11

Depolarization

Answer 11

occurs when positive ions (Na+) enter the neuron, making it more susceptible to fire an action potential.

Question 12

Hyperpolarization

Answer 12

occurs when negative ions (K-) enter the neuron, making it less susceptible to fire

Question 13

Refractory Period

Answer 13

after a neuron has fired an action potential it pauses for a short period to recharge itself ot fire again

Question 14

Sodium/Potassium Pump

Answer 14

pump positive ions out from the inside of the neuron, making them ready for another action potential.

Question 15

All or none Law

Answer 15

when depolarizing current exceeds the threshold a neuron will fire, and below threshold it will not
- Fire will either happen or not going to happen; no partial fire

Question 16

Intensity

Answer 16

intensity of an action potential remains the same, throughout the length of the axon
- However fast it’s moving, it remains that the entire time

Question 17

Synapse aka synaptic gap, synaptic cleft

Answer 17

a junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. This tiny gap is called the synaptic gap or cleft

Question 18

Neurotransmitters

Answer 18

(chemicals) released from the sending neuron, travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing it to generate an action potential.

Question 19

Reuptake

Answer 19

neurotransmitters in the synapse are reabsorbed into the sending neurons through the process of reuptake. This process applies brakes on neurotransmitters.

Question 20

Serotonin

Answer 20

serotonin pathways are involved with mood, hunger, and sleep regulation.
- lack of serotonin has been linked to clinical depression

Question 21

Acetylcholine

Answer 21

• its function is motor movement, memory and learning
  
  • lack of ACh has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease

Question 22

Dopamine

Answer 22

• dopamine pathways
  
  • function is motor movement and alertness
  • lack of dopamine is associated with Parkinson’s disease
  • Overabundance is associated with schizophrenia

Question 23

Norepinephrine

Answer 23

• helps control alertness and arousal
  
  • undersupply can depress mood

Question 24

Gaba (major inhibitory) gamma-aminobutyric acid

Answer 24

a major inhibitory neurotransmitter
- undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia

Question 25

Glutamate (major excitatory)

Answer 25

a major excitatory neurotransmitter
- involved in memory
- oversupply can overstimulate brain,
producing migraines or seizures

Question 26

Endorphins (endo = within) morphine

Answer 26

• involved in pain control
  
  • many of our most addictive drugs deal with endorphins