Understanding Biopsychology and Nervous Systems

Sep 20, 2024

Lecture on Biopsychology

Introduction

  • Biopsychology: Study of the physiological hardware that supports our minds.
  • Central to understanding psychology and necessary for those pursuing psychology as a career.
  • Importance of understanding genetics, brain structure, neurons, and synapses.

Nervous Systems

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Spinal cord and brain, primary focus of psychology.
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Consists of everything else, including:
    • Somatic Nervous System: Involves voluntary movements.
    • Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary actions.

Neurons: The Building Blocks

  • Cells that transmit information throughout the nervous systems.
  • Cell Body: Processes information, contains nucleus.
  • Dendrites: Receive information from other neurons.
  • Axon: Transmits information away from the cell body.
  • Terminal Buttons: Release neurotransmitters across synapses.

Synapses and Neurotransmitters

  • Synapse: Gap between neurons where communication occurs.
  • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that cross synapses to transmit signals.
  • Reuptake: Process of reabsorbing neurotransmitters back into the terminal button if not received.

Key Neurotransmitters

  • Dopamine: Involved in voluntary movement, sleep, mood, and behavior. Affects reward system.
  • Serotonin: Regulates mood, euphoria, and happiness. Low levels linked to depression.
  • Endorphins: Shield body from pain, enhance pleasure.
  • Oxytocin: Involved in social bonding and pro-social behaviors.

Myelination

  • Myelin: Fatty sheath around axons that speeds up signal transmission.
  • Importance: Enhances efficiency of neural pathways, linked to practiced behaviors and habits.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Vital for myelin production, affecting brain development.

Application of Concepts

  • Explore personal habits and behaviors that are "myelinated."
  • Consider the effects of habitual actions and their efficiency due to myelination.
  • Reflect on whether certain activities (e.g., gaming, technology use) contribute positively or negatively to life and development.

These notes summarize the key points discussed in the lecture on biopsychology, focusing on the structure and function of the nervous system, neurons, synapses, neurotransmitters, and the importance of myelination in behavior and habit formation.