Why are Psychologists Concerned With Human Biology (Drugs)

Drugs 1. Stimulate the brain’s reward system. 2. Induce greater feelings of pleasure than natural. 3. Bypass survival instincts and repeat drug abuse. 4. Damage the brain and organs. Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) - Prefonal Area The Brain Fissure: Division point of the hemispheres. Dura Meter: Thin membrane (covering) of the brain. Structure of the Cortex (Forebrain) Frontal Lobe: Thought, speaking, muscle movement. Parietal Lobe: Sensation (sensory input). Occipital Lobe: Vision. Temporal Lobe: Audition. Functions of the Cortex The is the area at the rear of the frontal lobes that control voluntary movements. The receives information from the skin surface and sense organs. Specialization and Integration: Brain activity when hearing, seeing, and speaking words. Language is an impairment of language, usually cause by left-hemisphere damage either to (impaired speaking) or (impaired understanding). The Limbic System The is a doughnut-shaped system of neural structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebrum, associated with emotions such as fear, aggression, and drives for food and sex. It included the , , and . The lies below (hypo) the thalamus. It directs several maintenance activities like eating, drinking, body temperature, and control of emotions. It helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. Thalamus: The brian’s sensory switchboard, located on the top of the brainstem. It directs messages to the sensory areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla. Hippocampus: Memory. Amygdala: Consists of two almond-shaped neural clusters linked to the emotions of fear and anger. Pituitary Gland: Called the “master gland.” The anterior pituitary lobe releases hormones that regulate other glands. The posterior lobe regulates water and salt balance. Corpus Callosum: A bundle of nerves that connects both hemispheres connecting fibers. The Cerebral Cortex/Cerebrum: The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres. It is the body’s ultimate control and information processing center. Medulla: Is the base of the brainstem that controls heartbeat and breathing. Pons: Sleeping/Awake. Reticular Formation: A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal (on/off switch). Cerebellum: The “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem. It helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Or Intracranial Injury. An external force that injures the brain. TBI can be classified based on severity, and mechanism (closed or penetrating head injury). TBI can result in physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Outcomes can range from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. Causes included falls, vehicle collisions, and violence. Brain trauma occurs as a consequence of a sudden acceleration or deceleration within the cranium or by a complex combination of both movement and sudden impact. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) A progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries: 1. Behavioral Problems 2. Mood Problems 3. Problems with Thinking Symptoms typically do not begin until years after the injuries. CTE often gets worse over time and can result in dementia. The Brain’s Plasticity The brain is sculpted by our genes, but also by our experiences. refers to the brain’s ability to modify itself after some type of injury or illness. Directional Cuts How do we find Information 1. Electroencephalogram (EEG) The electroencephalogram is an amplified recording of the electrical waves sweeping across the brain’s surface. 2. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Shows almost all of the cortex, fissural activity is emphasized. 3. Positron Emission Tomography Scan (PET) A visual display of brain activity that detects a radioactive form of glucose while the brain performs a given task. 4. Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan) An x-ray of the brain; good for basic damage. 5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce compute - generate imagines that distinguish among different types of brain tissue. Visual Function The Functional MRI scan shows the visual cortex is active as the subject looks at faces. Techniques to Study the Brain: A brain lesion destroys brain tissue to study behavior. Our Divided Brain Our brain is divided into two hemispheres. The left hemisphere processes reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, and comprehension skills. In the 1960s, it was deemed the “dominant” brain. 1. The brain is divided into two hemispheres. 2. The division of hemispheres (indent) is called the 3. The hemispheres are connected by the Left . . Right Speech Spatial Reasoning Language Art Logic Writing Music Emotions Classical Music Pop Music Being on time A good time Careful planning Visualize outcomes Consider alternatives st Go with 1 idea Being thoughtful Being active Monopoly/Chess Athletics/Art/Music ⚔Splitting the Brain⚔ A procedure in which the two hemispheres of the brain are isolated by cutting the connecting fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) between them. Patients With the corpus callosum severed, objects presented in the right visual field can be named. Objects in the left-field cannot. The Endocrine System The Endocrine System is the body’s “slow” chemical communication Communication is carried system. out by hormones synthesized by a set of glands. The Nervous System Central Nervous Peripheral System Nervous (CNS) System (PNS) Automatic Nervous System (ANS) Sympathetic (NS) “Arouses” (Fight-or-Flight) Parasympathetic (NS) “Calms” (Rest-and-Digest)