Introduction to Psychology

Class 8: Neuroscience 1Myers: 38-51

June 22, 2006

Biological Psychology

A branch of psychology that concerns itself with the links between biology and behavior.

Other terms: Behavioral neuroscientist, neuropsychologist, physiological/bio-psychologist, behavioral endocrinologist etc.

Origins of brain-mind connection

Phrenology (1800) bumps on skull could reveal mental

abilities Phineas Gage (1848)

Iron rod through skull. Changes in personality

1990’s decade of the brain: fMRI, PET

The Neuron

Parts Dendrites, Body, Axon Hillock, Axon, Myelin sheath, Nodes of Ranvier, Terminal branches, Terminal Buttons, Synaptic cleft

Concepts Action Potential, Type of signals, Threshold stimulus, All-or-None response

Action Potential

Resting Potential (-70mv)

Depolarization (-50mv threshold)

Action potential Repolarization (back

to neg charge) Hyperpolarizaton

The Synapse

Cajal Sherrington NT Reuptake Agonists

and antagonists

Neurotransmitters

Overview

NERVOUS SYSTEM

3 types of neurons

Types of Neurons

SENSORY/AFFERENTFrom the organ to the spinal cord

(and brain) MOTOR/EFFERENTFrom the spinal cord (and brain)

to the organ INTERNEURONSIn between

Autonomic Nervous System(Sympathetic & Parasympathetic)

Internal functioning E.g., Heartbeat,

digestion, Sympathetic: Fight or

flight (adrenalin) Parasympathetic:

Resting and digesting (Back to baseline) (acetylcholine)

The Spinal Cord

The Reflex pathway Pain reflex Quadri/Paraplegia Bilateral and depends on level

of lesion in the spinal cord Hemiplegia Unilateral and depends on the location

of lesion in brain. Usually caused by stroke.

The Brain

Evolutionarily evolved Brainstem Limbic System Cortex

Brainstem

Medulla Basic life functions

Reticular Formation Alertness arousal

(anesthetics)

Cerebellum

Cerebellum Fine motor movements

Thalamus

Atop brainstem Sensory Relay station

All 5 senses except for smell

Limbic System(all bilateral)

Amygdala Aggression and fear; processing emotional

memories Hypothalamus

Hunger, thirst, body temperature, sexual behavior

Controls pituitary gland (master gland) which produced hormones

Olds and Milner – pleasure centers Hippocampus

Memory consolidation (HM, memento)