Overview

This topic explores how biological structures and processes influence behavior, emotion, and cognition. The brain, nervous system, hormones, and genetics all play a role in shaping who we are. Understanding these foundations helps explain everything from reflexes and emotions to memory and mental illness.

Key Themes and Concepts

• Neuroanatomy: The brain is divided into key structures:
  • Frontal lobe: reasoning, decision-making, and voluntary movement
  • Parietal lobe: sensory input and spatial orientation
  • Occipital lobe: visual processing
  • Temporal lobe: hearing, memory, and language
  • Brainstem and limbic system: vital functions, emotion, and memory
• Functional Organization of the Nervous System: Includes the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) systems. The autonomic branch (sympathetic vs. parasympathetic) controls involuntary responses.
• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers like dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA play essential roles in mood, movement, attention, and arousal.
• Endocrine System: Glands like the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid secrete hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and stress response.
• Genetics and Behavior: Genes influence traits and predispositions, but environmental interaction (epigenetics) shapes outcomes. Twin and adoption studies help separate nature from nurture.
• Physiological Techniques: Tools such as EEG, MRI, PET, and fMRI allow researchers to observe and map brain activity.
• Etiology of Disorders: Many psychological disorders have biological roots, including imbalances in neurotransmitters or structural brain differences.

Quick Tip

Neurotransmitters are vital for communication between neurons and directly affect behavior and mental states. For example, low levels of serotonin are linked to depression, while dopamine is central to reward and movement. The nervous and endocrine systems work together to regulate everything from reflexes to stress. Understanding these biological systems gives insight into both everyday behavior and complex psychological conditions.