Biological Perspective Everything Psychological is Simultaneously Biological Biology

Biological Perspective “Everything Psychological is Simultaneously Biological”

Biology of the Mind Neuroscience, behavior genetics, evolutionary psychology • the body is composed of cells • nerve cells conduct electricity and "talk“ to one another – sending chemical messages across a tiny gap that separates them. (synapse) • specific brain systems serve specific functions • we integrate information processed in these different brain systems to construct our experience i. e. sights and sounds, meanings and memories, pain and passion. • our adaptive brain is wired by experience!

Neural Communication • Neurons=nerve cells, building block of nervous system • Neurons transmit messages when stimulated by signals from our senses or when triggered from neighboring neurons

Neural Communication • Dendrites: neuron’s bushy, branching extensions, receive messages & conduct impulses toward cell body • Axon: neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or muscles & glands • Myelin sheath: fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing axons of some neurons; helps speed neural impulses • Neural Impulse: (action potential) electrical signal traveling down axon. (2 miles to 180 mph) – 3 million x slower than electricity through a wire

Neural Communication • synapse: junction between axon tip of sending neuron & dendrite of cell body of receiving neuron – tiny gap @ junction is called synaptic gap • Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers travel across synaptic gaps between neurons & bind to receptor sites on receiving neuron, influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse • Reuptake: sending neuron reabsorbs excess neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter Pathways • Each of the brains chemical messengers has designated pathways where it operates • Neurotransmitters influence hunger, thinking, depression, euphoria, addictions & therapy

Neurotransmitters Continued • Brain produces its own naturally occurring opiates • Several types of neurotransmitter molecules similar to morphine are released in response to pain & vigorous exercise – ENDORPHINS (endogenous—produced within, morphine) • Runner’s high, painkilling effects of acupuncture, indifference to pain in some severely injured people

Agonists and Antagonists • Agonist: molecules similar enough to a neurotransmitter to bind to its receptor and mimic its effects – Opiate drugs=agonists • Produce a temporary “high” by amplifying normal sensations of arousal or pleasure • Antagonist: also bind to receptors but block a neurotransmitter’s functioning.

Nervous System central nervous system (CNS): the brain and spinal cord. peripheral nervous system (PNS): the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. Nerves: bundled axons that form neural "cables" connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs.

Neurons • sensory neurons: neurons that carry incoming information from sensory receptors to brain & spinal cord. • motor neurons: neurons that carry outgoing information from brain & spinal cord to muscles & glands. • Interneurons: neurons within the brain & spinal cord that communicate internally & intervene between sensory inputs & motor outputs. • somatic nervous system: the division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles. Also called the skeletal nervous system.

• The autonomic nervous system=self-regulating) internal functions. • sympathetic division arouses & expends energy. (↑Heartbeat) • parasympathetic division calms & conserves energy (↓ Heartbeat)

Central Nervous System • Brain=our humanity – Billions of neurons & trillions of synapses – Neural networks

Central Nervous System • Spine – two-way information highway connecting between the peripheral nervous system and the brain • Reflexes – A simple spinal reflex is composed of a single sensory neuron and a single motor neuron

2/23 Do Now (10 Minutes) Take out Notes: Reflection: Last class we watched a short clip of Steve Gleason. – What did Steve do for a living? – What diagnosis did he receive? – How does this relate to class notes/discussion? – What were his first symptoms? – How did he handle his diagnosis?

Students Will Be Able To • Discuss & Identify key terms related to Neuro Communication – agonists & antagonists, neurons, autonomic nervous system, sympathetic & parasympathetic division, central nervous system, Lou Gehrig • Discuss & Identify key parts of the brain related to Psychology – Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Corpus Callosum, Occipital Lobe, Pituitary gland, Temporal Lobe, Pons Cerebellum, Medulla Oblongata, Spinal Cord

Lou Gehrig • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – also referred to as motor neuron disease – Lou Gehrig’s disease • Strikes 6 in 100, 000 (age 65 -75) • Death w/in 5 years • General weakness in throat & upper chest then arms & legs – Struggle with swallowing & speaking • Caused by death of motor neurons that connect nervous system to muscles enabling movement • No cure, drugs slow progression • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=JNZc. C_3 YLuo – Steve Gleason • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Gk. Nes. NNobvo

Frontal Lobe Parietal Lobe Corpus Callosum Occipital Lobe Pituitary Gland Temporal Lobe Pons Cerebellum Medulla Oblongata Spinal Cord

The Brain Cerebellum – the part of the brain below the back of the cerebrum. Regulates balance, posture, movement, and muscle coordination. Corpus Callosum - large bundle of nerve fibers that connect left and right cerebral hemispheres. In the lateral section, it looks a bit like a "C" on its side. Frontal Lobe of the Cerebrum - top, front regions of each of the cerebral hemispheres. Used for reasoning, emotions, judgment, and voluntary movement. Medulla Oblongata - lowest section of brainstem (at the top end of the spinal cord); controls automatic functions (heartbeat, breathing, etc. ) Occipital Lobe of the Cerebrum - region at back of each cerebral hemisphere that contains the centers of vision and reading ability (located at the back of the head). Parietal Lobe of the Cerebrum - middle lobe of each cerebral hemisphere between frontal and occipital lobes; contains important sensory centers (located at upper rear of the head). Pituitary Gland - gland attached to base of the brain (located between the Pons and the Corpus Callosum) that secretes hormones. Pons - part of brainstem that joins the hemispheres of the cerebellum and connects cerebrum with the cerebellum. It is located just above Medulla Oblongata. Spinal Cord - thick bundle of nerve fibers that runs from base of brain to hip area, running through the spine (vertebrae). Temporal Lobe of the Cerebrum - region at lower side of each cerebral hemisphere; contains centers of hearing and memory (located at the sides of the head).

• Brain Structure and Function Figure depicting previously discussed topics as well as the cerebral cortex, our next topic

Brain The cortex and its basic subdivisions.

• DO Now Psychology – Take Out your notes – On a piece of paper to be collected: • Discuss the difference between the left & right brain • Which do you think is the most dominant in your personality? Explain • SWBAT – Open Note Test Unit 1 • Intro PPT • The Mind – Identify & Discuss characteristics of Autism & SIDS (Sensory Integration Dysfunction) – Next Class: Apply learning to the film Rain Man

http: //www. ted. com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight. ht ml

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the following: • impaired social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication • restricted and repetitive behavior. • symptoms must become apparent in early childhood, typically before age three for diagnosis.

Characteristics of Sensory Integration Dysfunction SID-the nervous system has difficulty receiving, filtering, organizing and making use of sensory information • Following are some signs that a child may have a dysfunction in sensory-motor processing: • Repetitive behaviors such as spinning, head banging or flapping of hands • Poor coordination and handwriting • Poor eye contact • Short attention span • Avoidance or over reaction to touch • Difficulty identifying objects by touch • Clumsiness and lack of balance • Repetitive or slow speech • Lack of body image and awareness • Raised shoulders • Fear of movement, avoids motor play • Fear and anxiety in new situations or changed routines.

Kim Peek— “Megasavant”

Do Now • Open Note Test • Take out your notes (including Brain worksheet) and a pen or pencil • Unit 1 Test • Hand your test in when you are finished and take the article “A Giant Neuron…”

Students Will Be Able To: • Review material learned and apply it to Hollywood’s portrayal of Autism in 1988 • Identify specific characteristics related to Autism and SIDS in the film Rain Man