Download - Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Chapter 3 Biopsychology

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Chapter 3Chapter 3

Biopsychology


What is Biopsychology?What is Biopsychology?

Biopsychology –The specialty in psychology that studies the interaction of biology, behavior, and the environment.

Neuroscience – Interdisciplinary field that focuses on the brain and its role in psychological processes.


Evolution has fundamentally shaped psychological

processes because it favors genetic variations that

produce adaptive behavior.

How Are Genes and How Are Genes and Behavior Linked?Behavior Linked?


How Are Genes and Behavior Linked?How Are Genes and Behavior Linked?

Innate – Inborn; present at birth; part of the organism’s biological heritage.

Evolution –The gradual process of biological change that occurs in a species as it adapts to its environment.


Evolution and Natural SelectionEvolution and Natural Selection

Natural selection –The driving force behind evolution, by which the environment “selects” the fittest organisms.


Genes and InheritanceGenes and Inheritance

Genotype – An organism’s genetic makeup.

Phenotype –An organism’s observable physical characteristics.


Chromosomes, Genes, and DNAChromosomes, Genes, and DNA

DNA – A long, complex molecule that encodes genetic characteristics.

Genes –The functional units of a chromosome

composed of nucleotides.


Sex chromosomes –The X and Y chromosomes that determine our physical sex characteristics.

Chromosomes, Genes, and DNAChromosomes, Genes, and DNA

Chromosomes – Tightly coiled threadlike structures along which the genes are organized.


Genetic Explanations for Genetic Explanations for Psychological ProcessesPsychological Processes

• Genes influence our psychological characteristics as well as our physical traits.

• Nature vs Nurture

Nature vs NurtureNature vs Nurture

Nature

GENETICS

- The characteristics a person inherits

- Biological makeup

NurtureENVIRONMENT

- Family, culture, education,

and individual differences


The body’s two communication systems, the

nervous system and the endocrine system, both use

chemical messengers to communicate with targets

throughout the body.

How Does the Body How Does the Body Communicate Internally?Communicate Internally?


The Structure of a NeuronThe Structure of a Neuron


The NeuronThe Neuron

Types of Neurons:• Sensory (afferent) neurons - carry

messages from sense receptors towards the brain.

• Motor (efferent) neurons - carry messages from the brain toward muscles and glands.

• Interneurons - carry messages between nerve cells.


The Neural ImpulseThe Neural Impulse

Resting potential

- Electrical charge of the axon when in its inactive state.

Action potential - The neuron fires; the charge travels down the axon and causes neurotransmitters to be released.

ALL-OR-NONE!!!



Synapse

- The gap between neurons.



Synaptic transmission

- Relaying information across the synapse by means of chemical neurotransmitters.


NeurotransmittersNeurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters –Chemical messengers that relay neural messages across the synapse.

ANIMATION


Seven Important NeurotransmittersSeven Important Neurotransmitters

DopamineDopamine

SerotoninSerotonin

AcetylcholineAcetylcholine

EndorphinsEndorphins

NorepinephrineNorepinephrine

GABAGABA

GlutamateGlutamate



DopamineDopamine

Serotonin

Acetylcholine

Endorphins

Norepinephrine

GABA

Glutamate

Normal Function:Normal Function:

Produces sensations of Produces sensations of pleasure and reward; used pleasure and reward; used

by CNS neurons in by CNS neurons in voluntary movementvoluntary movement

Deficit:Deficit:

Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, memory problems, anxiety, memory problems,

ADHDADHD

Surplus:Surplus:

Schizophrenia, drug Schizophrenia, drug addictionaddiction



Dopamine

SerotoninSerotonin

Acetylcholine

Endorphins

Norepinephrine

GABA

Glutamate


Regulates sleep, mood, Regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual appetite, and sexual

behaviorbehavior

Deficit:Deficit:

Depression, anger, and Depression, anger, and mood disordersmood disorders

Surplus:Surplus:

ManiaMania



Dopamine

Serotonin

Acetylcholine

Endorphins

NorepinephrineNorepinephrine

GABA

Glutamate


Used for arousal in the Used for arousal in the flight/fight response, plays flight/fight response, plays

a role in learning and a role in learning and memory retrievalmemory retrieval

Deficit:Deficit:

Low energy, depressionLow energy, depression

Surplus:Surplus:

AnxietyAnxiety



Dopamine

Serotonin

AcetylcholineAcetylcholine

Endorphins

Norepinephrine

GABA

Glutamate


Stimulates muscle Stimulates muscle contractions; involved in contractions; involved in

memorymemory

Deficit:Deficit:

Lack of muscle movement, Lack of muscle movement, paralysis, Alzheimer’s paralysis, Alzheimer’s

diseasedisease

Surplus:Surplus:

Muscle spasmsMuscle spasms



Dopamine

Serotonin

Acetylcholine

Endorphins

Norepinephrine

GABAGABA

Glutamate


Most prevalent inhibitory Most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitterneurotransmitter

Deficit:Deficit:

Anxiety, seizuresAnxiety, seizures

Surplus:Surplus:

Sleep and eating disordersSleep and eating disorders



Dopamine

Serotonin

Acetylcholine

EndorphinsEndorphins

Norepinephrine

GABA

Glutamate


Pleasurable sensations, Pleasurable sensations, reduction of stress, and reduction of stress, and

control of paincontrol of pain

Deficit:Deficit:

Chronic painChronic pain

Surplus:Surplus:

Artificial highs; body might Artificial highs; body might not give warning about painnot give warning about pain



Dopamine

Serotonin

Acetylcholine

Endorphins

Norepinephrine

GABA

GlutamateGlutamate


Primary excitatory Primary excitatory neurotransmitter; involved neurotransmitter; involved in learning and memory, in learning and memory,

movement movement

Deficit:Deficit:

nonenone

Surplus:Surplus:

Associated with epileptic Associated with epileptic seizuresseizures


PlasticityPlasticity

Plasticity –Ability of the nervous system to adapt or change as the result of experience; sometimes helps the nervous system adapt to physical damage.


Glial CellsGlial Cells

Glial cells:• Provide structural

support for neurons• Help in forming new

synapses• Form myelin sheath


The Organization of the The Organization of the Nervous SystemNervous System

Nervous systemNervous system

Peripheral nervous Peripheral nervous system (PNS)system (PNS)

Central nervous Central nervous system (CNS)system (CNS)

AutonomicAutonomicnervous systemnervous system

SomaticSomaticnervous systemnervous system

SympatheticSympatheticnervous systemnervous system

Parasympathetic Parasympathetic nervous systemnervous system

Two Divisions of the Nervous SystemTwo Divisions of the Nervous System

• Central Nervous System (CNS)Made up of the brain and spinal cord.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)Nerves branching out from the

spinal cord.

Two Divisions of the PNSTwo Divisions of the PNS

Somatic NS – controls voluntary behaviors

Autonomic NS – controls involuntary behaviors

Sympathetic – “fight or flight”

Parasympathetic – “rest and digest”


The Endocrine SystemThe Endocrine System(the body’s chemical messenger system)


The Endocrine SystemThe Endocrine System

Pituitary gland • “Master gland”• Produces hormones

influencing the secretions of all other endocrine glands.

• Produces hormones that influences growth.

Video Clip - Gigantism


Thyroid gland - Affects metabolism

Hypothyroidism – makes people feel lazy and lethargic.

Hyperthyroidism – causes people to lose weight and be overactive.


Adrenal glands - Release adrenaline into the bloodstream.

- Help trigger the “fight or flight” response.Causes heart rate and breathing to increase

Heightens emotions (fear, anxiety)


Sex glands:Ovaries

- Produce eggs and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Testes - Produce sperm

and the male sex hormone testosterone.

Hormones vs NeurotransmittersHormones vs Neurotransmitters

Endocrine System- Glands release hormones into the bloodstream.

Nervous System - Neurons release neurotransmitters to either excite or inhibit other neurons.


How Does the Brain How Does the Brain Produce Behavior and Produce Behavior and

Mental Processes?Mental Processes?

The brain is composed of many specialized modules that work together to create

mind and behavior.


The BrainThe Brain

EEG (electroencephalograph) – Device for recording brain waves, typically by electrodes placed on the scalp.

Brain waves –Patterns of electrical activity generated by the brain.


The BrainThe Brain

Lesions –Tissue damage that results from disease or injury.


The BrainThe Brain

Brain scans – Recordings of the brain’s electrical or biochemical activity at specific sites.• CT scanning (computerized

tomography)• PET scanning (positron

emission tomography)• MRI (magnetic resonance

imaging)


Three Layers of the BrainThree Layers of the BrainBrain stem and cerebellum

~Drive vital functions, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion.

• medulla, pons, reticular formation, thalamus

Limbic system~Adds emotions, complex motives, increased memory

abilities.• hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus

Cerebrum~Enables reasoning, planning, creating,

problem solving.


Three Layers of the BrainThree Layers of the Brain

Brain stem and cerebellum~Drive vital functions,

such as heart rate, breathing, digestion.

• medulla• pons• reticular formation• thalamus

Medulla OblongataMedulla Oblongata

• Controls breathing and heartbeat.

PonsPons

• Regulates brain activity during sleep and dreaming.

Reticular FormationReticular Formation

• Responsible for arousal of the sympathetic nervous system.

• Keeps the brain alert & attentive- Reticular Activating System (RAS)

ThalamusThalamus

• Relay Station

• Sends messages from the body to the appropriate part of the brain.

CerebellumCerebellum

• Responsible for balance and motor

movement.


The Brain Stem and CerebellumThe Brain Stem and Cerebellum

Thalamus

Pons

Cerebellum

Medulla

Brain stem


Three Layers of the BrainThree Layers of the Brain

Limbic system~Adds emotions,

complex motives, increased memory abilities.

• hippocampus• amygdala• hypothalamus


The Limbic SystemThe Limbic System

Hippocampus –Involved in establishing long-term memories.



Amygdala –Involved in memory and emotion, particularly fear and aggression.



Hypothalamus –Serves as the brain’s blood-testing laboratory, constantly monitors blood to determine the condition of the body.


The Four LobesThe Four Lobes

Frontal lobe(thinking, planning, decision-making)

Parietal lobe(touch sensations and spatial relationships)

Occipital lobe(visual signals)

Temporal lobe(processes sounds, including hearing and speech)


Frontal LobeFrontal Lobe

Motor Cortex

• Controls voluntary movement


Parietal LobeParietal Lobe

Somatosensory Cortex

• Sensations and touch


Occipital LobeOccipital Lobe

Visual Cortex

• Visual processing area


Temporal LobeTemporal Lobe

Auditory Cortex

• Helps to make sense of sounds


LanguageLanguage

Broca’s Area• Producing language

Wernicke’s Area• Understanding language

Aphasia• Loss of speech caused by brain damage


The Brain The Brain

Corpus Callosum

• The band of nerve cells that connects the two hemispheres.


The CerebrumThe Cerebrum

Cerebrum –Topmost layer of the brain; the bulbous cap over the limbic system.

Cerebral cortex –Thin gray-matter covering of the cerebrum; carries on thinking and perceiving.

Cerebral hemispheres –The two walnut shaped halves of the cerebrum, connected by the corpus callosum.


Cerebral DominanceCerebral Dominance

Cerebral dominance –Tendency of each brain hemisphere to exert control over different functions.


Cerebral HemispheresCerebral Hemispheres

Left Hemisphere Right Hemisphere

• Logical• Mathematical• Memory for

words and numbers

• Word recognition• Positive emotion

• Creativity• Facial recognition• Memory for shapes and music• Spatial interpretation• Negative emotion


The BrainThe Brain

Epilepsy – Brain disorder that is often marked by seizures and loss of consciousness; caused by out-of-control electrical activity in the brain.

Split-Brain OperationsSplit-Brain Operations

A treatment option for those suffering from grand mal seizures.

Separating the brain hemispheres by severing the corpus callosum lessons the number and severity of seizures.

Mr. Split-Brainy

Download - Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Chapter 3 Biopsychology

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