Chapter 1 - Intro to Biopsychology

Question 1

What is meant by “monism”

Answer 1

The idea that the mind is made of the same substance as the universe.

Question 2

An Ontogenetic explanation focusses on…

Answer 2

How a behaviour develops

Question 3

Example of an evolutionary explanation…

Answer 3

Humans have a tine tailbone because our ancient monkey-like ancestors had a tail

Question 4

What are the three R’s” in the legal standards for animal research?

Answer 4

1) Reduction of animal numbers
2) Replacement - using computers etc where possible.
3) Refinement - modifying processes to reduce pain and discomfort.

Question 5

How does a “minimalist” position differ from an “abolitionist”?

Answer 5

A minimalist wants to ensure nonhumans used for scientific reasons are going through the least discomfort for the greatest gain.
An abolitionist wishes to abolish ALL animal research no matter how much knowledge and information there is to gain from this line of research.

Question 6

4 reasons why Biopsychologists use nonhuman animals to conduct their research?

Answer 6

1) Underlying mechanisms are similar between human and nonhuman species and it is sometimes easier to study animals are they are more “simple” than humans
2) We are interested in animals for what they are.
3) Learning about animals can show us direct similarities to human evolution.
4) Legal and ethical restrictions prevent certain types of research on humans.

Question 7

The Nervous System consists of 2 types of cells

Answer 7

Neurons - Receive and transmit information to other cells

Glia - Difficult to summarise but provide support for neurons

Question 8

Neurons have much in common with the rest of body cells. Name the parts of Neurons

Answer 8

Soma: ###

Nucleus:

Axons

Dendrites:

Myelin Sheath:

Presynaptic terminals:

Dendritic spines:

Question 9

Types of Glia

Answer 9

Atrocytes

Microglia

Oligodendrocytes

Schwann cells

Radial Glia

Question 10

What is the blood-brain barrier?

Answer 10

The blood-brain barrier is the mechanism that disables the ability for some chemicals, viruses and other matter from crossing from the bloodstream into the brain cells.

The brains blood vessels are surrounded by a barrier of tightly condensed cells that keep out viruses, bacteria and other harmful chemicals

Question 11

What is an advantage and disadvantage of the blood-brain barrier?

Answer 11

Viruses and bacteria kept out

Drugs such as chemo are unable to cross the barrier to help in the treatment of brain cancers

Question 12

What chemical do neurons mainly depend on?

Answer 12

Glucose - it crosses the blood-brain barrier in large volumes