Core - Introduction to Psychology

Chapter 2

Biopsychology

2.1 : Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology

2.1 : Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology

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

2.2 : Nervous System

2.2 : Nervous System

The nervous system coordinates body functions through its complex network of nerve cells, enabling sensation and movement. The nervous system has two ...

2.3 : Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

2.3 : 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 ...

2.4 : Neuronal Communication

2.4 : Neuronal Communication

Neurons communicate by sending electrochemical signals that travel along their axons to neighboring neurons. When the electrical charge within a neuron ...

2.5 : Neurotransmitters

2.5 : Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers in the nervous system, essential for communication between neurons. They regulate physiological and ...

2.6 : Organization of the Brain

2.6 : 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 ...

2.7 : Cerebral Hemispheres

2.7 : 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 ...

2.8 : Lobes of the Cerebrum

2.8 : 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 ...

2.9 : Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

2.9 : 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 ...

2.10 : Spinal Cord

2.10 : 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 ...

2.11 : Lateralization

2.11 : 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 ...

2.12 : Human Genetics

2.12 : 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 ...

2.13 : Genetic Material

2.13 : 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 ...

2.14 : Genetic Variation

2.14 : Genetic Variation

Genetic variation stems from differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which are essential for species adaptation and evolution. Genetic variations ...

2.15 : Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs

2.15 : 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 ...

2.16 : Evolutionary Psychology

2.16 : Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology examines how natural selection, a theory proposed by Charles Darwin influences the development of human behavior and mental ...

2.17 : Neuroplasticity

2.17 : Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is an inherent characteristic of the nervous system to reorganize itself by creating new neural connections in response to factors or ...

2.18 : Brain Imaging

2.18 : 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 ...

2.19 : The Endocrine System

2.19 : The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is composed of glands that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers crucial for bodily functions. These hormones circulate ...

2.20 : Major Hormones and Their Functions

2.20 : 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 ...

2.21 : Inheritance

2.21 : Inheritance

Gregor Mendel's principles of inheritance demonstrated how traits are transmitted from parents to offspring and are controlled by distinct units known ...

2.22 : Gene-Environment Interactions

2.22 : Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene expression is influenced by environmental factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress. The range of reaction suggests ...

2.23 : Heritability

2.23 : Heritability

Heritability measures the genetic influence on traits or physical characteristics such as height or eye color. Heritability can vary depending on the ...

2.24 : Natural Selection and Adaptation

2.24 : Natural Selection and Adaptation

Natural selection drives evolution by supporting organisms that are best adapted to their environments, enhancing their survival and reproduction rates. ...

2.25 : Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

2.25 : 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 ...

2.26 : Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective

2.26 : 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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