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Chapter 2

Biopsychology

Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology
Biopsychology explores the biological foundations of psychology, examining the relationship between psychological processes and physiological events. It ...
Nervous System
Nervous System
The nervous system coordinates body functions through its complex network of nerve cells, enabling sensation and movement. The nervous system has two ...
Neurons as Communicators of the Brain
Neurons as Communicators of the Brain
Neurons, the excitable cells of the nervous system, specialize in transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals in the body. A neuron ...
Neuronal Communication
Neuronal Communication
Neurons communicate by sending electrochemical signals that travel along their axons to neighboring neurons. When the electrical charge within a neuron ...
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers in the nervous system, essential for communication between neurons. They regulate physiological and ...
Organization of the Brain
Organization of the Brain
The brain is divided into three main sections: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The forebrain is the largest part of the brain and consists ...
Cerebral Hemispheres
Cerebral Hemispheres
The human brain cortex is divided into two cerebral hemispheres: the left and the right. The corpus callosum, a robust bundle of neural fibers, connects ...
Lobes of the Cerebrum
Lobes of the Cerebrum
The cerebral cortex consists of four lobes: the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. The frontal lobe situated behind the forehead regulates ...
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
The somatosensory cortex, located in the parietal lobe, plays a crucial role in interpreting sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and body ...
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord begins at the base of the brain and extends down the middle of the back, serving as a vital communication link between the brain and the ...
Lateralization
Lateralization
Brain lateralization refers to the tendency of some cognitive processes or neural functions to be more dominant in one hemisphere of the brain than the ...
Human Genetics
Human Genetics
Human genetics explores how genes influence physical traits such as height and eye color, behaviors like risk-taking and eating habits, and susceptibility ...
Genetic Material
Genetic Material
Within the human body, a vast network of trillions of cells functions cohesively. Typically, each cell contains a nucleus with 46 chromosomes,  a ...
Genetic Variation
Genetic Variation
Genetic variation stems from differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which are essential for species adaptation and evolution. Genetic variations ...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
Behavior genetics explores the role of inheritance in shaping human behavior. Researchers use family, twin, and adoption studies to assess heritability by ...
Evolutionary Psychology
Evolutionary Psychology
Evolutionary psychology examines how natural selection, a theory proposed by Charles Darwin influences the development of human behavior and mental ...
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is an inherent characteristic of the nervous system to reorganize itself by creating new neural connections in response to factors or ...
Brain Imaging
Brain Imaging
Brain imaging refers to various techniques used to visualize the structure and activity of the brain. CT scans create three-dimensional images, which are ...
The Endocrine System
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is composed of glands that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers crucial for bodily functions. These hormones circulate ...
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones are the chemical messengers that coordinate complex processes in the body. Oxytocin is synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by the ...
Inheritance
Inheritance
Gregor Mendel's principles of inheritance demonstrated how traits are transmitted from parents to offspring and are controlled by distinct units known ...
Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene expression is influenced by environmental factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress. The range of reaction suggests ...
Heritability
Heritability
Heritability measures the genetic influence on traits or physical characteristics such as height or eye color. Heritability can vary depending on the ...
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Natural selection drives evolution by supporting organisms that are best adapted to their environments, enhancing their survival and reproduction rates. ...
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
The principle of natural selection suggests that organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Evolutionary ...
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
In a study involving the mating behavior of heterosexual women and men, people posing as strangers complimented students and then proposed casual sex. ...
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