What is biological psychology?
Scientific study of biology of behaviour
Focus on biological drivers of thought and behaviour (biological approach)
Name the integrative disciplines involved in biological psychology.
- Neuroanatomy
- Neurophysiology
- Neurochemistry
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neuropathology
- Neuropharmacology
Anything beginning with neuro relates to the nervous system.
What is the weight of the human brain?
About 1.5kg
The brain is the most complex object in the universe.
Who proposed the theory of brain function based on ventricles?
Galen
He was a physician of the Roman Empire.
What does Cognito; ergo sum mean?
I think therefore I am
This phrase is attributed to René Descartes.
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) control?
Involuntary and automatic actions
Examples include heart beating and breathing.
What are the two types of efferent nerves in the ANS?
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic prepares for action, while parasympathetic prepares to relax.
What is the role of the thalamus?
Relays sensory signals and is involved in sleep, consciousness, and alertness
The thalamus means ‘inner chamber’ in Greek.
What is the function of the hippocampus?
Major role in memory (spatial location memory)
Degeneration can cause memory issues.
What is the neocortex?
The newest part of the cerebral cortex to evolve
It is composed of grey matter and has 6 layers.
What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex/neocortex?
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Temporal lobe
- Occipital lobe
Each lobe has distinct functions related to sensory processing and cognitive functions.
What happened to HM after his surgery?
Inability to form new memories
He had his medial temporal lobes removed, including the hippocampus.
What was the result of Phineas Gage’s accident?
Loss of social inhibitions
Damage to the frontal cortex changed his personality.
What does afferent refer to in the nervous system?
Sensory input
Afferent nerves carry signals to the CNS.
What does efferent refer to in the nervous system?
Motor output
Efferent nerves carry signals away from the CNS.
What is the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
Semi-permeable membrane that separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid
It prevents many toxins from entering the brain.
What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
Provides cushioning and support for the brain
It fills the subarachnoid space, spinal cord, and ventricles of the brain.
What is hydrocephalus?
Condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in ventricles
It can lead to brain expansion.
What are the three protective membranes of the brain called?
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid membrane
- Pia mater
Collectively known as the meninges.
What does proximal mean in neuroanatomy?
Close to CNS
Example: shoulders.
What does distal mean in neuroanatomy?
Far (distant) from CNS
Example: fingers.
What is the function of the reticular formation?
Involved in sleep, attention movement, and reflexes
Located in the medulla.
What is the role of the substantia nigra?
Important component of the sensory motor system
Degeneration leads to movement issues in Parkinson’s disease.
