Chapter Three: Biological Aspects of Psychology
Learning Objectives:
1.
Define biological psychology. (See introductory section.)
2.
Define the nervous system. Describe the three main components of information processing that the nervous system
performs. (See introductory section.)
3.
Compare and contrast neurons and glial cells. (See "The Nervous System.")
4.
Name and describe the functions of the neuronal parts that allow them to communicate with one another, including
axons, dendrites, and the synpase. (See "The Nervous System.")
5.
Describe the electrical and chemical changes that lead to an action potential. Define myelin and discuss its effects.
(See "Action Potentials.")
6.
Explain how polarization and refractory periods affect signal transduction in the nervous system. (See "Action
Potentials.")
7.
Define neurotransmitters and describe their role in nervous system activity. (See "Synapses and Communication
Between Neurons.")
8.
Describe the role of receptors in the communication process between neurons. (See "Neurotransmitters.")
9.
Define postsynaptic potentials and describe the difference between excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic
potentials. Describe their role in the creation of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell. (See "Excitatory and
Inhibitory Signals.")
10.
11.
Describe how neural networks operate. (See "Organization and Functions of the Nervous System.")
Define sensory system and motor system. Describe their roles in two components of information processing:
input and output. (See "In Review: Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and Receptors.")
12.
Name the two major divisions of the nervous system. (See "Organization and Functions of the Nervous System.")
13.
Name the two components of the peripheral nervous system and describe their functions. (See "The Peripheral
Nervous System: Keeping in Touch with the World.")
14.
Name the two components of the autonomic nervous system and describe their functions. (See "The Autonomic
Nervous System.")
15.
16.
17.
18.
Define nuclei and fiber tracts. (See "The Central Nervous System: Making Sense of the World.")
Name the types of neurons found in the spinal cord and describe their function. Define reflexes. (See "The Spinal
Cord.")
Describe the techniques that scientists use to study the brain.
Discuss what fMRI research has revealed about behavior and mental processes. (See "Thinking Critically: What
Can fMRI Tell Us About Behavior and Mental Processes?")
19.
Name and define the structures in the hindbrain. Describe their functions. (See "The Hindbrain.")
20.
Name and define the structures in the midbrain. Describe their functions. (See "The Midbrain.")
21.
Name and define the structures in the forebrain. Describe their functions. (See "The Forebrain.")
22.
Describe the experimental methods used by scientists in their study of Alzheimer’s disease. (See "Focus on
Research Methods: Manipulating Genes in Animal Models of Human Disease.")
23.
Define cerebral hemisphere and cerebral cortex. Name the four lobes that make up the cortex and state their
locations. (See "The Cerebral Cortex.")
24.
Describe the functions of the sensory cortex and motor cortex. (See "The Cerebral Cortex.")
25.
Name and describe the role of the areas in the association cortex involved in understanding and producing
language. (See "The Association Cortex.")
26.
Describe split brain studies and explain the function of the corpus callosum. (See "The Divided Brain in a Unified
Self.")
27.
Describe the lateralization of the cerebral hemispheres. (See "Lateralization of Normal Brains.")
28.
Define synaptic plasticity. Explain why it is impossible for the brain to heal damaged neurons. Describe the
methods used to help people recover from brain damage today. (See "Plasticity: Repairing Damage in the Central
Nervous System.")
29.
Describe the changes that occur in the nervous system throughout development. (See "Linkages: Human
Development and the Changing Brain.")
30.
Define neurotransmitter systems. Name and describe the location of the seven major neurotransmitters. Discuss
the behaviors and mental processes associated with each of them. (See "The Chemistry of Psychology.")
31.
Define endocrine system, glands, and hormones. Compare and contrast the differences between the
communication processes of the nervous and endocrine systems. (See "The Endocrine System: Coordinating the
Internal World.")
32.
Define the fight-or-flight syndrome. (See "The Endocrine System: Coordinating the Internal World.")
33.
Define negative feedback systems. (See "The Endocrine System: Coordinating the Internal World.")
34.
Compare and contrast the functionality of the immune system to the nervous and endocrine systems. Define
autoimmune disorder. (See "The Immune System: Defending the Body.")
35.
Describe the interaction of the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. (See "The Immune System: Defending
the Body.")
Chapter Three Terms
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Nervous system
Neuron
Axon
Dendrite
Synapse
Action potential
Myelin
Refractory period
Neurotransmitters
Receptors
Neural network
Peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system
Somatic nervous system
Autonomic nervous system
Reflex
Hindbrain
Medulla
Cerebellum
Midbrain
Substantia nigra
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
Striatum
Forebrain
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Amygdala
Hippocampus
Limbic system
Cerebral cortex
Sensory cortex
Motor cortex
Corpus callosum
Plasticity
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Dopamine
GABA
Glutamate
Endorphin
Endocrine system
Fight or flight syndrome