Unit 3 Flashcards
Biological Psychology
Chromosomes
structure in the cellular nucleus that are lined with all of the genes an individual inherits
DNA
a molecule formed in a double-helix shape that contains 4 types of nucleotides
Genes
the basic unit of heredity; guide to protein synthesis
Genotype
the genetic makeup of an organism
Phenotype
the observable characteristics, including physical structures & behavior
Homozygous
when genes at a particular location the same on each chromosome
Hereozygous
when the genes at a particular location are different on each chromosome
Behavioural genetics
the study of how genes and environment influence behaviour
- twin adoption studies
Heritability of 0 to 1
Measures the degree to which genetics explains individual differences in behaviour or trait
Behavioural genomics
the study of DNA and the ways in which specific genes are related to behaviour
One gene is not…
limited to one trait
Examples of evolutionary psychology
Human mate preferences
- Females tend to prefer strong, committed financially secure males
- Males tend to prefer youthful, physically beautiful females
Neural plasticity
the brain’s ability to change the structure and function
Adult neruogenesis
formation of new neurons that are integrated into the adult brain
Gilial cells
specialized cells of the nervous system that are involved in many functions
Functions of gilial cells
- Surround and hold in place neurons
- Supplying nutrients and oxygen to neurons
- Insulating neurons from one another
- Mounting immune responses
- Clearing neurotransmitters after release
- Making myelin sheath
- saltatory conduction
Cations
positively charged ions
- Sodium (Na+)
- Potassium (K+)
Anions
negatively charged ions
- Chloride (Cl-)
Concentration gradient
ions naturally diffuse from areas of high concentration to low concentration
Resting potential
refers to a neuron’s stables, inactive state during which the cell is not transmitting or receiving messages
Action potential
a wave of the electrical activity that originates at the base of the axon and rapidly travel travels down its length
Refeactory period
a brief period during which a neuron cannot fire
Synaptic cleft
the minute space between the terminal button and the dendrite of another neuron
Reuptake
a process whereby neurotransmitters released into the synapse are reabsorbed into the axon terminals
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
Glutamate is the primary transmitter for…
excitatory functions
GABA is the primary transmitter for…
inhibitory functions
Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter for…
movement
Dopamine controls…
movement and the reward center
Norepinephrine generates…
levels of arousal
Serotinin is important for…
mood regulation
Excitatory neurotransmitters…
increase the likelihood of an action potential occurring
Inhibitory neurotransmitters…
decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring
Agonists
drugs that enhance or mimic the effects of a neurotransmitters action
Antagonists
inhibit neurotransmitter activity by blocking receptors or preventing synthesis of the transmitter
Direct agonist
- binds to receptor
- enhances the neurotransmitter
Indirect agonist
- does not bind to the receptor
- enhances the neurotransmitter
Antagonist
- binds to the receptor
- does not enhance the neurotransmitter
Parts of the hindbrain
medulla, pons, and cerebellum
Function of medulla and pons
involuntary movement, breathing, sleep patterns, and communication between parts of the brain
Function of cerebellum
muscle memory (motor programming) and refined movement
Parts of the midbrain
Tectum, and substantia nigra
Tectum
consists of the superior Colliculus which orients out visual attention, and the inferior Colliculus which orients out auditory attention
Substantia nigra
connected with the forebrain and plays a role in production voluntary movements
- affected in parkinsons
Parts of the forebrain
Ventricles, Basal ganglia, nucleus accumbens, and limbic system
Function of ventricles
contain cerebrospinal fluid which removes waste products and supplies nutrients and hormones to the brain and spine
Function of basal ganglia
involved in facilitating planned movements and skill learning
Function of nucleus accumbens
integrates sensory and movement information with the brain’s reward system
Parts of the limbic system
amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus
Amygdala
processes emotional responses and stimuli
Hippocampus
critical for learning and formation and new memories
Thalamus
relays sensory information to different regions of the brain
Hypothalamus
regulates basic biological needs and motivation systems
Homeostasis
the balance of energy, metabolism, body temperature, and other basic functions that keep the body working
Pituitary gland
master gland of the endocrine system
Hormones
chemicals secreted by the glands of the endocrine system
Parts of the cerebral cortex
Grey matter, white matter, frontal loves, parietal lobes, occipital lobes, corpus callosum, and temporal lobes
Grey matter
composed of cell bodies and dendrites
White matter
composed of myelinated axons that interconnect the different structures of the brain
Frontal lobes
important for many ‘higher’ cognitive functions, such as planning, inhibition of impulses and emotion, language production, and voluntary movement
- Primary motor cortex
Parietal lobes
Somatosensory cortex: responsible for touch sensations for various body parts
Occipital lobes
located at the rear of the brain, where visual information is processed
Temporal lobes
located at the sides of the brain near the ears, and involved in hearing, language, and aspects of vision such as object and face recognition
Corpus callosum
a densely concentrated bundle of nerve cells connecting the two hemispheres
Broca’s area
involved in articulating spoken words
- left side
Wernicke’s area
involved in comprehension of spoken and written language
- left side
Divisions of the nervous system
autonomic nervous system
- sympathetc and parasympathetic division
Somatic nervous system
Autonomic system
controls organs, glands, and other automatic processes in the body
Sympathetic division
Fight or flight response
Parasympathetic division
maintains bodily functions and conserves resources (rest and digest)
Somatic nervous system
Controls muscles and transmits sensory info
