Intro to Psychology / Brain & Behavior Study Guide
Foundations of Neuroscience
• Heart vs Brain Importance: Ancient cultures debated which organ controlled thought; today we know
the brain does.
• Monism vs Dualism: Monism = mind and body are one. Dualism = mind and body are separate.
• Trepanation: Drilling a hole in the skull in ancient times, possibly to treat pressure or "release spirits."
• Phrenology: Disproven theory claiming bumps on the skull reveal personality.
• Transhumanism: Using technology to enhance human abilities.
• Neural Dust: Tiny implanted sensors that can monitor nerves and muscles.
Nervous System Overview
• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain + spinal cord.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All nerves outside CNS.
• Sensory Neurons: Carry info from senses to CNS.
• Motor Neurons: Carry movement commands from CNS to muscles.
• Autonomic System: Involuntary functions.
- Sympathetic = fight-or-flight.
- Parasympathetic = rest-and-digest.
- Enteric = digestion system control.
Neuron Structure & Function
• Dendrites: Receive signals.
• Soma (Cell Body): Holds the nucleus; processes info.
• Axon: Sends signals away from neuron.
• Myelin: Fatty coating that speeds signals.
• Glial Cells: Support, protect, and feed neurons.
• Resting Potential: -70mV charge when neuron is inactive.
• Ion Concentrations: More Na+ outside, more K+ inside.
• Action Potential: Electrical impulse triggered when threshold is reached.
• Saltatory Conduction: Signal jumps between nodes, speeding transmission.
• Voltage-Gated Channels: Open when electrical charge changes.
• Ligand-Gated Channels: Open when a chemical binds.
Brain Structure & Orientation
• Gyri: Raised folds of the brain.
• Sulci: Grooves between gyri.
• Meninges: Protective brain layers (dura, arachnoid, pia).
• Ventricles: Fluid-filled spaces that hold cerebrospinal fluid.
• Brain Slices:
- Coronal: Front/back
- Sagittal: Left/right
- Horizontal: Top/bottom
Foundations of Neuroscience
• Heart vs Brain Importance: Ancient cultures debated which organ controlled thought; today we know
the brain does.
• Monism vs Dualism: Monism = mind and body are one. Dualism = mind and body are separate.
• Trepanation: Drilling a hole in the skull in ancient times, possibly to treat pressure or "release spirits."
• Phrenology: Disproven theory claiming bumps on the skull reveal personality.
• Transhumanism: Using technology to enhance human abilities.
• Neural Dust: Tiny implanted sensors that can monitor nerves and muscles.
Nervous System Overview
• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain + spinal cord.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All nerves outside CNS.
• Sensory Neurons: Carry info from senses to CNS.
• Motor Neurons: Carry movement commands from CNS to muscles.
• Autonomic System: Involuntary functions.
- Sympathetic = fight-or-flight.
- Parasympathetic = rest-and-digest.
- Enteric = digestion system control.
Neuron Structure & Function
• Dendrites: Receive signals.
• Soma (Cell Body): Holds the nucleus; processes info.
• Axon: Sends signals away from neuron.
• Myelin: Fatty coating that speeds signals.
• Glial Cells: Support, protect, and feed neurons.
• Resting Potential: -70mV charge when neuron is inactive.
• Ion Concentrations: More Na+ outside, more K+ inside.
• Action Potential: Electrical impulse triggered when threshold is reached.
• Saltatory Conduction: Signal jumps between nodes, speeding transmission.
• Voltage-Gated Channels: Open when electrical charge changes.
• Ligand-Gated Channels: Open when a chemical binds.
Brain Structure & Orientation
• Gyri: Raised folds of the brain.
• Sulci: Grooves between gyri.
• Meninges: Protective brain layers (dura, arachnoid, pia).
• Ventricles: Fluid-filled spaces that hold cerebrospinal fluid.
• Brain Slices:
- Coronal: Front/back
- Sagittal: Left/right
- Horizontal: Top/bottom
