Neuroscience
Elza Ibragimov
1. Biological Psychology and Neurotransmission
- Study of links between biological and psychological processes
- Phrenology - physical attributes determine psychological abilities
Neurons
- Dendrites - recieve info and conduct impulses toward the cell body
- Axon- passes messages through to other neurons
- Myelin Sheath- encases axons and provides insulation and speeds up impulses
- Action Potential- electrical charge that may or may not fire
- Refractory Period- short period of time after a charge has been fired
- Threshold- level of stimulation required for an impulse to fire
Neurotransmitters
- Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons
- Synapse- the junction between an axon and dendrite
- Endorphins- natural neurotransmitters linked to pleasure and pain
- Agonist- molecule that binds to a receptor and stimulates a response
- Antagonist- molecule that binds to a receptor and blocks a response
2. -The Nervous System
- The body's electro chemical communication network consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and nervous systems
- Sensory Neurons (afferent)- carry messages from the body's tissues and sensory receptors inward to the brain and spinal cord for processing
- Motor Neurons (efferent)- carry instructions from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands
- Inter neurons- neurons between the motor and sensory that communicate
Peripheral Nervous System
- Sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body
- Somatic Nervous System- enables voluntary movement of muscles and glands
- Autonomic Nervous System- automatic control of muscles and glands, including internal organs
- Sympathetic Nervous Sytem - arousing
- Parasympathetic Nervous System- calming
Central Nervous System
- Brain and Spinal Cord
- Spinal Cord- connects the central nervous system. And the brain
- Reflex- automatic response to a sensory stimulus
- Endocrine System
- Chemical communication system, set of glands and that secrete hormones into the bloodstream
- Hormones- chemical messengers that are manufactured by the glands and travel down the bloodstream
Glands
- Adrenal Glands- helps arouse the body in times of stress (adrenaline/ epinephrine)
- Pituitary Gland- most influential gland, regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands
- Hypothalamus- controls pituitary gland
- Thyroid Gland- metabolism
- Parathyroid - regulates level of calcium
- Pancreas- regulates level of sugar
- Testes/ ovaries- male/ female sex hormones
3. Studying the brain
- Lesion- naturally caused destruction of brain tissue
Examining The Brain
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) - recording of the brain activity in waves
- Computed Tomography (CT) - X-ray taken from different angles and combined into one computerized image
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - display of brain activity that detects radioactive glucose goes while the brain performs
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer generated images of soft tissue
- Functional MRI- shows the brain as it functions as well as structure
Brain Structures
- Medulla- base of the Brainstem, controls breathing and heartbeat
Reticular Formation - travels through the Brainstem and Thalamus, controls arousal
Cerebellum- processes sensory input, coordinates movement and balance
The Limbic System- emotions and drives.
- Hippocampus- processes conscious memories
- Amygdala- processes aggression and fear
- Hypothalamus- governs the endocrine system, rewards with emotion
4. The Cerebral Cortex
- Covers the two hemispheres and is the body's control center
Motor Cortex - behind the frontal lobes, controls voluntary movement
Somatosensory Cortex - behind the motor cortex, processes touch and movement sensations
Association Areas - involved in higher learning functions
Plasticity- the brains ability to change by building new pathways over damaged synapses
Neurogenesis- formation of new neurons
Lobes of the Brain
Parietal- receives sensory input for touch and body position
Occipital- involved in visual information
Temporal- involved in auditory areas
5. Hemispheres of the Brain
Split Brain- condition resulting from the cutting of the corpus callosum
Consciousness- awareness of ourselves and our environment
Cognitive Neuroscience- study of the brain activity linked with cognition
Dual Processing- information is often simultaneously processed on seperate conscious and unconcsious tracks