PSYCH 104: CHAPTER 2
What are some techniques for studying the brain?
Consider the effects of brain damage Use MRI scans to reveal brain structure Use EEG recordings and PET and fMRI scans to reveal brain activity
What are the structures and functions of the limbic system
Linked to emotions, drives, and memory and its neural centers include the hippocampus (processes conscious memories), amygdala (involved in aggressive and fearful responses), and the hypothalamus (monitors carious bodily maintenance activities, contains reward centrism and triggers the pituitary to influence glands of the endocrine system.
How does sleep loss affect us, and what are the major sleep disorders?
Loss of sleep can lead to impaired concentration, feeling sick or frustrated/angry, depression, a suppressed immune system, weight gain, slowed performance, etc. Major sleep disorders include insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea.
What are the parts of a neuron?
Neurons, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, glial cells
How do neurotransmitters affect our mood and behavior?
Neurotransmitters affect hunger, movement, and arousal. Endorphins are natural opiates released during pain and intense exercise. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin travel designated pathways in the brain.
How do our sleep patterns differ? What five theories describe our need to sleep?
Our genetics, age, and social-cultural backgrounds affect how we sleep. 1. Sleep may have been used as a protective measure in order to keep ancestors from performing dangerous activities at night. 2. Sleep helps to heal damaged neurons 3.Sleep strengthens neural connections and helps strengthen memories 4.Sleep promotes creative thinking 5.During deep sleep,the pituitary gland secretes hormones that are needed for muscle development.
How do neurons communicate?
Signals (action potentials) are sent down axons, the excitatory and inhibitory signals are then sent through the dendrites and cell body, neurons then fire in an "all or none" response which is determined by the threshold. This response then triggers the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters across a tiny gap called the synapse, separating a sending neuron from a receiving cell.
What are the functions of the brainstem and its related structures?
The brainstem is the oldest part of the brain which controls automatic survival functions. The medulla controls heartbeat and breathing, and the pons sits right above the medulla and helps coordinate movements. The thalamus sits right on top of the brainstem acts as the brains sensory control center. The reticular formation controls arousal and attention. The cerebellum, attached to the rear of the brainstem, processes sensory input and coordinates muscle movement.
What is the circadian rhythm, and what are the stages of our nightly sleep cycle?
The circadian rhythm is our biological clock that influences our sleep cycle. Our sleep cycle has 90 minute intervals : NREM-1, NREM 2, NREM3, and REM sleep.
Why are psychologists concerned with human biology?
The links between biology and behavior are a key part of the biophysical approach
What are the two major divisions of the nervous system, and what are their basic functions?
central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) peripheral nervous system (sensory and motor neurons connecting the cps to the rest of the body)
What do we mean by consciousness, and how does selective attention direct our perceptions?
consciousness is our ability to be aware of ourselves and our surroundings. Since we can only focus on a small amount of stimuli at any given time, selective attention is our way of focusing awareness onto a certain stimuli.
How does the endocrine system transmit information and interact with the nervous system?
glands secrete hormones that influence the brain and our behavior
What two subdivisions are apart of the peripheral nervous system
sympathetic nervous system (arouses) parasympathetic nervous system (which calms)
How do interneurons communicate
within the brain and spinal cord between motor neurons and sensory neurons
