Transcript File

Why is it important for psychologists
to understand the various biological
functions of the brain?
• For each question you missed, write the following:
Question #___________
Answer ____ makes more sense than ____
because___________.
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Biological psychology, or
biopsychology, is the
scientific study of the
biological bases of behavior
and mental processes.
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Biological psychology makes
important contributions to
neuroscience—the scientific
study of the nervous system.
Two Parts
1. Central Nervous
System: Brain +
Spinal Cord
2. Peripheral Nervous
System: smaller
branches of the
nerves that reach
other parts of the
body
Organization and Function of the Nervous System
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Two Divisions of the Autonomic System:
 Sympathetic: Arouses body; emergency system
 Parasympathetic: Quiets body; most active after
an emotional event
1. You get a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize you
are lost in a run-down section of a large, unfamiliar city late at night.
2. You are so exhilarated before a soccer match, you know you are ready to
devastate your opponents.
3. When the performance for which you have been preparing so hard for is
finally over, you find yourself overcome with drowsiness.
4. During an exam, you are so concerned that somebody will think you are
cheating that you keep your eyes fixed on your own paper and struggle
to hold onto your pen with sweaty hands.
5. You are shivering in a cold wind.
6. The sound of soothing music helps calm you after a very frustrating test.
7. After dealing with a difficult supervisor all day, you come to psychology
class and fall asleep.
8. You have just completed your first downhill skiing event. You are totally
exhilarated, and to your own amazement, you cannot wait to try the
whole thing again.

Neuron: Individual nerve cells
Function: allow messages to travel to and
from the brain.
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Video :)
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Dendrites: receive messages from other neurons and send them to the cell
body.
Cell body: includes Nucleus – DNA - chromosomes
Axon: carries message away toward the dendrites of another neuron.
Myelin Sheath: insulates and protects the axon.
Axon (Synaptic) Terminals: connect axons to dendrites
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Messages from one neuron to another pass over a
microscopic gap called a synapse

Chemicals that alter activity in
neurons; brain chemicals that carry
messages.
 Acetylcholine: Activates muscles
 Dopamine: Muscle control
 Serotonin: Mood and appetite control
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Oversupply or undersupply of
neurotransmitters can cause a
variety of problems.
1. What candy will send
messages out of one
neuron to the other?
Which candy will receive 
the message?
 2. If a synapse is a gap
between neurons, how is
the message received?
 3. Neurons are affected
by genetics, how do you
know this?
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What is the difference between the somatic
nervous system (SNS) and automatic nervous
system (ANS)?