Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Chapter 3 Biopsychology Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 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. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

How Are Genes and Behavior Linked? Evolution has fundamentally shaped psychological processes because it favors genetic variations that produce adaptive behavior. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Evolution and Natural Selection Natural selection – The driving force behind evolution, by which the environment “selects” the fittest organisms. Evolution and Natural Selection Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Genes and Inheritance Genotype – An organism’s genetic makeup. Phenotype – An organism’s observable physical characteristics. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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Chromosomes, Genes, and DNA DNA – A long, complex molecule that encodes genetic characteristics. Genes – The functional units of a chromosome composed of nucleotides. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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Chromosomes, Genes, and DNA Chromosomes – Tightly coiled threadlike structures along which the genes are organized. Sex chromosomes – The X and Y chromosomes that determine our physical sex characteristics. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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Genetic Explanations for Psychological Processes Genes influence our psychological characteristics as well as our physical traits. Nature vs Nurture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Nature vs Nurture Nurture Nature ENVIRONMENT - Family, culture, education, and individual differences Nature GENETICS - The characteristics a person inherits - Biological makeup

How Does the Body Communicate Internally? The body’s two communication systems, the nervous system and the endocrine system, both use chemical messengers to communicate with targets throughout the body. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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The Structure of a Neuron Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The 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. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The 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!!! Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Neural Impulse Synapse - The gap between neurons. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

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Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Neural Impulse Synaptic transmission - Relaying information across the synapse by means of chemical neurotransmitters. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters – Chemical messengers that relay neural messages across the synapse. ANIMATION Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Seven Important Neurotransmitters Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Acetylcholine GABA Endorphins Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, memory problems, ADHD Neurotransmitters Normal Function: Produces sensations of pleasure and reward; used by CNS neurons in voluntary movement Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Deficit: Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, memory problems, ADHD Acetylcholine GABA Endorphins Surplus: Schizophrenia, drug addiction Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual behavior Neurotransmitters Normal Function: Regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual behavior Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Deficit: Depression, anger, and mood disorders Acetylcholine GABA Endorphins Surplus: Mania Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Neurotransmitters Normal Function: Used for arousal in the flight/fight response, plays a role in learning and memory retrieval Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Deficit: Low energy, depression Acetylcholine GABA Endorphins Surplus: Anxiety Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Stimulates muscle contractions; involved in memory Neurotransmitters Normal Function: Stimulates muscle contractions; involved in memory Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Deficit: Lack of muscle movement, paralysis, Alzheimer’s disease Acetylcholine GABA Endorphins Surplus: Muscle spasms Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter Neurotransmitters Dopamine Normal Function: Most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter Serotonin Norepinephrine Deficit: Anxiety, seizures Acetylcholine GABA Surplus: Sleep and eating disorders Endorphins Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Pleasurable sensations, reduction of stress, and control of pain Neurotransmitters Dopamine Normal Function: Pleasurable sensations, reduction of stress, and control of pain Serotonin Norepinephrine Acetylcholine Deficit: Chronic pain GABA Surplus: Artificial highs; body might not give warning about pain Endorphins Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Associated with epileptic seizures Neurotransmitters Normal Function: Primary excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in learning and memory, movement Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Deficit: none Acetylcholine GABA Surplus: Associated with epileptic seizures Endorphins Glutamate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Plasticity Plasticity – Ability of the nervous system to adapt or change as the result of experience; sometimes helps the nervous system adapt to physical damage. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Glial Cells Glial cells: Provide structural support for neurons Help in forming new synapses Form myelin sheath Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

The Organization of the Nervous System Peripheral nervous system (PNS) Central nervous system (CNS) Autonomic nervous system Somatic nervous system Sympathetic nervous system Parasympathetic nervous system Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Two 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 PNS Somatic NS – controls voluntary behaviors Autonomic NS – controls involuntary behaviors Sympathetic – “fight or flight” Parasympathetic – “rest and digest”

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Endocrine System (the body’s chemical messenger system) Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Endocrine System Pituitary gland “Master gland” Produces hormones influencing the secretions of all other endocrine glands. Produces hormones that influences growth. Video Clip - Gigantism Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

The Endocrine System Thyroid gland - Affects metabolism Hypothyroidism – makes people feel lazy and lethargic. Hyperthyroidism – causes people to lose weight and be overactive.

The Endocrine System 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)

The Endocrine System Sex glands: Ovaries Testes - Produce eggs and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Testes - Produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.

Hormones 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 Produce Behavior and Mental Processes? The brain is composed of many specialized modules that work together to create mind and behavior. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The 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. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Brain Lesions – Tissue damage that results from disease or injury. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The 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) Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Three Layers of the Brain Brain 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. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Three Layers of the Brain Brain stem and cerebellum ~Drive vital functions, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion. medulla pons reticular formation thalamus Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Medulla Oblongata Controls breathing and heartbeat.

Pons Regulates brain activity during sleep and dreaming.

Reticular Formation Responsible for arousal of the sympathetic nervous system. Keeps the brain alert & attentive - Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Thalamus Relay Station Sends messages from the body to the appropriate part of the brain.

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Responsible for balance and motor movement. Cerebellum Responsible for balance and motor movement.

The Brain Stem and Cerebellum Thalamus Pons Cerebellum Medulla Brain stem Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Three Layers of the Brain Limbic system ~Adds emotions, complex motives, increased memory abilities. hippocampus amygdala hypothalamus Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Limbic System Hippocampus – Involved in establishing long-term memories. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Limbic System Amygdala – Involved in memory and emotion, particularly fear and aggression. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Limbic System Hypothalamus – Serves as the brain’s blood-testing laboratory, constantly monitors blood to determine the condition of the body. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The 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) Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Frontal Lobe Motor Cortex Controls voluntary movement Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Somatosensory Cortex Sensations and touch Parietal Lobe Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Visual Cortex Visual processing area Occipital Lobe Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Temporal Lobe Auditory Cortex Helps to make sense of sounds Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Language Broca’s Area Producing language Wernicke’s Area Understanding language Aphasia Loss of speech caused by brain damage Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Corpus Callosum The band of nerve cells that connects the two hemispheres. The Brain Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The 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. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Cerebral dominance – Tendency of each brain hemisphere to exert control over different functions. Cerebral Dominance Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Cerebral Hemispheres Left Hemisphere Right Hemisphere Creativity Facial recognition Memory for shapes and music Spatial interpretation Negative emotion Logical Mathematical Memory for words and numbers Word recognition Positive emotion Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Brain Epilepsy – Brain disorder that is often marked by seizures and loss of consciousness; caused by out-of-control electrical activity in the brain. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Split-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

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