Intro to Psychology: Biopsychology Quiz Notes

Overview of Biopsychology

• Biopsychology: Branch of psychology that explores how the brain influences behavior and thoughts.
• Importance: Useful in addressing psychological issues by understanding brain function.

Key Concepts and Terms

Neurons and Their Functioning

• Neuron Firing: An all-or-nothing event; a neuron fires if the action potential is reached.
• Dendrites: Part of a neuron that receives messages from other cells.

Nervous System Components

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Comprises neurons and nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, including the somatic and autonomic systems.
• Somatic System: Involved in voluntary, skeletal muscle movement.
• Function of Laterilization: Specialization of function in brain hemispheres, important for language abilities.

Brain Structure and Function

• Forebrain: Largest brain region; includes the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and limbic system.
• Reticular Formation: Brain structure that regulates attention by filtering stimuli.

Neurotransmitters and Their Roles

• Dopamine: Linked to Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia due to its role in movement, motivation, and cognition.
• Neurotransmitter Interaction: Molecules work by fitting into receptor sites on the next cell, affecting neuronal firing.

Brain Imaging Techniques

• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Uses radioactive tracers to map brain function.

Miscellaneous

• Myelin: Substance insulating axons, speeding up the neural message.
• Agonists: Substances that mimic neurotransmitters (e.g., heroin acts as an agonist for endorphins, creating a "high").

Recent Updates

• The quiz content is regularly reviewed for accuracy and relevance, with the latest update on August 17, 2023.

This summary captures the key points from the quiz on Intro to Psychology: Biopsychology, focusing on important concepts around neuron function, nervous system structure, neurotransmitters, and brain imaging techniques.