-----------------------------------------
Biopsychology
Topics:
● The Nervous System
● The Endocrine System
● Neurons and Synaptic Transmission
● Localisation of function in the brain
● Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brian research
● Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain after trauma
● Ways of studying the brain
● Circadian rhythms
● Infradian rhythms
● Endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers
Glossary
Excitation →When a neurotransmitter increases the positive charge of the neuron
Inhibition → When a neurotransmitter increases the negative charge of the neuron
Localisation → Theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific
behaviours
Lateralisation → The idea that the two halves of the brain are different and that certain
processes are controlled by one rather than the other
Circadian → Subject to a 24-hour cycle (Sleep/wake cycle)
Infradian → Frequency of less than one in 24 hours (Menstrual cycle)
Ultradian → Frequency of more than one in 24 hours (Stages of sleep)
Endogenous → Internal factors that regulate many of our biological rhythms
Exogenous → External factors
Zeitgeber → Synchronise our biological rhythms to 24 hours
- Phineas Gage had an iron rod blown through his skull and survived. However,
his personality changed entirely from being a respectful, hardworking man to
an irreverent, profane man. This shows us that the left frontal lobe that was
damaged was localised for his personality.
,A case study → an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group or institution
Case history → may use interviews, observations, questionnaires, or a combination
Longitudinal → Case studies tend to take place over a long period of time - but not
always
Divisions of the Nervous System
The
Nervous
2. Central System 5.Peripher
Nervous al Nervous
System System
7.
4. Spinal
3. Brain 6. Somatic Autonomi
cord
c System
8. 9.
Sympathet Parasymp
ic athetic
1. The Nervous System → The nervous system has two main functions: to collect,
process and respond to information in the environment, and to coordinate the
working of different organs and cells in the body.
2. The Central Nervous System → controls life functions and higher mental
processes (such as making conscious decisions)
3. The Brain → Centre of all conscious processes and lifesaving functions
4. The Spinal Cord → coordinates reflexes, sends motor impulses to the body and
sends sensory impulses to the brain.
5. The Peripheral Nervous System → Sense information to the CNS from the
outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the
body.
6. Somatic System → transmits sensory information from receptors to the brain and
is also responsible for sending impulses to muscles through motor neurons to
control voluntary movements.
7. The Autonomic System → responsible for involuntary, life maintaining functions
such as heart rate, digestion and respiration.
8. The Sympathetic Nervous System → A network of nerves that helps your body
activate its “fight-or-flight” response. This system's activity increases when you're
, stressed, in danger or physically active. This works agonistically because it speeds
the body up to the fight or flight state.
9. The Parasympathetic Nervous System → A network of nerves that relaxes your
body after periods of stress or danger. It also helps run life-sustaining processes,
like digestion, during times when you feel safe and relaxed. This works
antagonistically because it slows the body down to its resting state.
The Endocrine System
Th e endocr in e system → one of the body’s major information systems, that provides
a chemical system of communication via the bloodstream. The endocrine system
instructs glands to produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate
the activity of cells and organs in the body, and thus, bodily functions. The endocrine
system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body. The
endocrine system works much more slowly than the nervous system.
Th e h ypothalam us → stimulates and controls the release of hormones from the
pituitary gland.
Biopsychology
Topics:
● The Nervous System
● The Endocrine System
● Neurons and Synaptic Transmission
● Localisation of function in the brain
● Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brian research
● Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain after trauma
● Ways of studying the brain
● Circadian rhythms
● Infradian rhythms
● Endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers
Glossary
Excitation →When a neurotransmitter increases the positive charge of the neuron
Inhibition → When a neurotransmitter increases the negative charge of the neuron
Localisation → Theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific
behaviours
Lateralisation → The idea that the two halves of the brain are different and that certain
processes are controlled by one rather than the other
Circadian → Subject to a 24-hour cycle (Sleep/wake cycle)
Infradian → Frequency of less than one in 24 hours (Menstrual cycle)
Ultradian → Frequency of more than one in 24 hours (Stages of sleep)
Endogenous → Internal factors that regulate many of our biological rhythms
Exogenous → External factors
Zeitgeber → Synchronise our biological rhythms to 24 hours
- Phineas Gage had an iron rod blown through his skull and survived. However,
his personality changed entirely from being a respectful, hardworking man to
an irreverent, profane man. This shows us that the left frontal lobe that was
damaged was localised for his personality.
,A case study → an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group or institution
Case history → may use interviews, observations, questionnaires, or a combination
Longitudinal → Case studies tend to take place over a long period of time - but not
always
Divisions of the Nervous System
The
Nervous
2. Central System 5.Peripher
Nervous al Nervous
System System
7.
4. Spinal
3. Brain 6. Somatic Autonomi
cord
c System
8. 9.
Sympathet Parasymp
ic athetic
1. The Nervous System → The nervous system has two main functions: to collect,
process and respond to information in the environment, and to coordinate the
working of different organs and cells in the body.
2. The Central Nervous System → controls life functions and higher mental
processes (such as making conscious decisions)
3. The Brain → Centre of all conscious processes and lifesaving functions
4. The Spinal Cord → coordinates reflexes, sends motor impulses to the body and
sends sensory impulses to the brain.
5. The Peripheral Nervous System → Sense information to the CNS from the
outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the
body.
6. Somatic System → transmits sensory information from receptors to the brain and
is also responsible for sending impulses to muscles through motor neurons to
control voluntary movements.
7. The Autonomic System → responsible for involuntary, life maintaining functions
such as heart rate, digestion and respiration.
8. The Sympathetic Nervous System → A network of nerves that helps your body
activate its “fight-or-flight” response. This system's activity increases when you're
, stressed, in danger or physically active. This works agonistically because it speeds
the body up to the fight or flight state.
9. The Parasympathetic Nervous System → A network of nerves that relaxes your
body after periods of stress or danger. It also helps run life-sustaining processes,
like digestion, during times when you feel safe and relaxed. This works
antagonistically because it slows the body down to its resting state.
The Endocrine System
Th e endocr in e system → one of the body’s major information systems, that provides
a chemical system of communication via the bloodstream. The endocrine system
instructs glands to produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate
the activity of cells and organs in the body, and thus, bodily functions. The endocrine
system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body. The
endocrine system works much more slowly than the nervous system.
Th e h ypothalam us → stimulates and controls the release of hormones from the
pituitary gland.
