Bioc Psychology Revision Notes

Introduction

• Purpose of Video: Quick reminder of key psychology points.
• Additional Resources: Longer videos for detailed explanations, Psych Boost app for flashcards and learning support.

Divisions of the Nervous System

• Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • Involves brain (conscious and unconscious processing) and spinal cord (information transmission and reflex processing).
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  • Network of neurons for message transmission.
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Involuntary control of internal organs.
  • Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Voluntary control of skeletal muscles.

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems

• Sympathetic System: Activates fight-or-flight response (increases heart rate, adrenaline release).
• Parasympathetic System: Promotes rest and digest (decreases heart rate, acetylcholine release).

The Endocrine System

• Collection of glands controlling bodily functions via hormones.
• Example glands:
  • Pituitary Gland: Master gland controlling other glands.
  • Adrenal Glands: Release adrenaline for fight-or-flight.
  • Pancreas: Releases insulin for blood sugar regulation.

Neurons and Reflex Arc

• Sensory Neurons: Detect sensations, transmit to CNS.
• Relay Neurons: Transmit within CNS.
• Motor Neurons: Transmit signals from CNS to effectors (e.g., muscles).
• Synaptic Transmission: Chemical signal passing between neurons.

Fight or Flight Response

• Triggered by Stress: Hypothalamus activates adrenal glands.
• Adrenaline Effects: Increased heart rate, alertness, decreased digestion.
• Chronic Stress: Can lead to health issues if constantly activated.

Brain Function and Lateralization

• Localization of Function: Specific brain areas perform distinct functions (e.g., speech, movement).
• Hemispheric Lateralization: Different hemispheres specialize in different tasks.

Plasticity and Functional Recovery

• Plasticity: Brain's ability to change and adapt.
• Functional Recovery: Undamaged brain areas take over functions of damaged areas.
• Factors Influencing Recovery: Age, gender, therapy access.

Research and Techniques for Studying the Brain

• fMRI: Measures blood flow, good spatial resolution.
• EEG: Measures electrical activity, good temporal resolution.
• ERPs: Focus on specific cognitive events.
• Postmortem Examination: Detailed study of brain structure.

Biological Rhythms

• Circadian Rhythms: 24-hour cycles (e.g., sleep-wake cycle).
• Infradian Rhythms: Longer cycles (e.g., menstrual cycle).
• Ultradian Rhythms: Shorter cycles (e.g., stages of sleep).
• Sleep Stages: Different brain wave patterns during sleep stages.

Practical Applications

• Technology to improve sleep and health using rhythm understanding.