Biological Flashcards
(38 cards)
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobe is the area behind the forehead and is heavily involved in intellectual activities such as planning and organising, as well as being involved in personality and the control of emotions and behaviour.
Temporal lobe
Nestled behind the ears, this area holds the bulk of our memories and our ability to understand things and speak.
Parietal lobe
Responsible for perception, spatial awareness, manipulating objects and spelling. Located at the back of the brain above the ears
Occipital lobe
At the very back of the head are the occipital lobes, which are responsible for sight. Any injury to this area can cause partial or complete blindness.
Cerebellum
The area of the brain that controls muscle movement, balance and coordination.
Amygdala
Two almond-shaped structures located deep within the temporal lobes of the brain. Responsible for memory, decision-making and emotional reactions.
Brain stem
Includes the midbrain, medulla and pons. Controls breathing, heart rate, consciousness, blood circulation, basic motor responses. Relays sensory information and regulates the sleep-wake cycle
Hypothalamus
Controls the pituitary gland in order to regulate temperature, blood pressure, appetite, wakefulness and sexual arousal. It is also involved in some aspects of memory.
Pituitary gland
A pea-sized structure located behind the bridge of nose and below the base of the brain it is responsible for producing hormones such as puberty hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone and stress hormones such as cortisol
Describe the process of synaptic transmission
Action potential is an electrical impulse which travels along the pre synaptic neuron .
At the end of this neuron are axon terminals which is where the vesicles are located.
When AP reaches vesicles they release neurotransmitters.
They travel along the synapse where they bind to receptors on the post synaptic cleft.
How do drugs effect the CNS
Usually dopamine is broken down by enzymes or returns to pre synaptic neutron.
Drugs cause excess dopamine as they block its reuptake which leaves dopamine in the synapse. This also causes the body to produce less dopamine as it has been triggered unnaturally.
Excess dopamine also causes the receptors to downgrade.
What do painkillers do?
Interfere with pain messages going to the brain either at the site of pain or the spine.
How does alcohol affect the brain?
Releases GABA which blocks seretonin receptors.
Serotonin inhibits mood so blocking it lifts your mood and gives confidence/calming effect.
Evolutionary theory of aggression
Humans aims are to survive long enough to pass on genes and to ensure genes live on in their children
If the desire to achieve these goals is not met humans may become aggressive
Why does evolutionary theory say humans are aggressive
-compete with other males and ensure reproductive success
-protect females and offspring
-protect and acquire resources
What is serotonin?
Neurotransmitter linked to mood.
Serotonin inhibits aggression
Low serotonin =
High aggression
What is dopamine
Neurotransmitter linked to attention and pleasure.
Increased dopamine =
Increased aggression
Reasons for male on male aggression
Confidence in paternity and warning to potential rivals
Reasons for male on female aggression
Deters the female from engaging in bad behaviour
Reasons for male on child aggression
Males reluctant to spend energy in raising others offspring (stepdads)
Thanatos
Death instinct
Psychodynamic theory:
What is the ID?
Most basic part of the psyche and develops first in babies.
Part of the unconscious mind and what’s what it wants if not becomes frustrated.