2.1 : 心理学の生物学的基礎の紹介

Biopsychology explores the biological foundations of psychology, examining the relationship between psychological processes and physiological events.

It emphasizes the role of the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics in shaping thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The nervous system, consisting of the central and peripheral nervous systems, acts as a command center for processing sensory information and transmitting motor impulses throughout the body.

Specific brain regions are specialized to perform distinct functions; for instance, the frontal lobes are essential for decision-making, the hippocampus is key for memory, and the amygdala handles emotional processing.

Neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers, facilitate interneuronal signal transmission, impacting muscle movements and mood.

Hormones, secreted by the endocrine system, significantly affect behavior and emotions. For example, cortisol influences the stress response, while oxytocin fosters social bonding.

Genetics focuses on heritability and genetic predispositions. It also studies how environmental factors like chronic stress alter gene expression and, over a long period of time, can lead to behavioral issues or developmental problems.