12 Intro to Biological Psychology

Summary

This week's lecture focuses on biological psychology, exploring the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the brain's role in communication and behavior. It covers neuron functions, nervous system divisions, brain parts, and their functions. The lecture also delves into neurogenesis, long-term potentiation, neuroplasticity, and the endocrine system's function. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of biopsychology and its growing popularity with advancements in technology like fMRI machines, emphasizing the study of how the brain and body chemistry influence our actions and thoughts.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Biological psychology, also known as biopsychology, physiological psychology, behavioral neuroscience, or psychobiology, is an interdisciplinary field that studies how the brain and other bodily aspects influence our behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
• 🌐 The course will cover the central and peripheral nervous systems, the brain's structure and functions, and the communication between neurons.
• 🔬 Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, with approximately 85 billion in the human brain, forming around 160 trillion connections.
• 💬 Neurons communicate information electrically through action potentials and chemically via neurotransmitters across a synapse, which is the space between two neurons.
• 📡 The three main parts of a neuron are the dendrites, which receive signals; the cell body or soma, which contains the nucleus and manufactures cell components; and the axon, which transmits signals to other neurons.
• 🔍 The lecture will also explore how psychologists study the brain, including historical methods and the use of modern technology like fMRI machines.
• 📈 Learning objectives include describing neuron parts and their functions, explaining neuron communication, detailing the nervous system divisions, locating and explaining brain parts, and understanding neurogenesis, long-term potentiation, and neuroplasticity.
• 🧪 Neurogenesis refers to the birth of new neurons, long-term potentiation to the strengthening of synapses, and neuroplasticity to the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life.
• 🤔 The endocrine system's function and its interaction with the brain will be discussed, highlighting the body's hormonal communication and its impact on behavior and cognition.
• 📚 The course aims to provide a simplified yet comprehensive overview of biological psychology, making complex information accessible to students, especially those new to the subject.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lecture on biological psychology?

The lecture focuses on the central and peripheral nervous systems, the brain, neurons, and how they communicate. It also covers other body systems that interact with the brain and how they all function together.

What are the different terms used to refer to biopsychology?

Biological psychology is also referred to as physiological psychology, behavioral neuroscience, psychobiology, and other similar names.

Why is the study of the brain and its functions considered a popular area in psychology?

The study of the brain and its functions is popular because it's an interdisciplinary field that analyzes how the brain and other body aspects affect behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. The advent of new technologies like fMRI machines has made it an even hotter area of study.

How many neurons are estimated to be in the human brain?

There are approximately 85 billion neurons in the human brain.

What is the role of neurons in communication within the body?

Neurons are specialized for communication with other neurons and transmit information in electrical and chemical forms, allowing for tasks such as communication, movement, and information processing.

What are the three main parts of a neuron?

The three main parts of a neuron are the dendrites, the cell body (also known as the soma), and the axon.

What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

The cell body, or soma, is the central region of the neuron that contains the nucleus and is responsible for manufacturing new cell components and helping repair or renew current cell components.

What is the primary role of the axon in a neuron?

The axon is responsible for sending signals, specifically transmitting electrical signals to other neurons.

How do neurons receive information from other neurons?

Neurons receive information from other neurons through their dendrites, which are branch-like extensions that connect with the axon terminals of other neurons.

What is a synapse and how does it relate to neuron communication?

A synapse is the space between two connecting neurons where information is transmitted across from one neuron to another. It's the gap over which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal and picked up by the dendrites of the next neuron.

What is the significance of the number of connections between neurons in the brain?

The approximately 160 trillion connections between neurons in the brain highlight the complex network of communication that allows for the vast range of cognitive functions and behaviors.