CHAPTER 3
Biological Aspects of Psychology

1. State the definition of biological psychology. (see introductory section)
   
   
2. Define the nervous system. Describe the three main components of information processing that the nervous system performs. (see introductory section)
   
   
3. Compare and contrast neurons and glial cells with other body cells. (see The Nervous System)
   
   
4. Name and describe the functions of the neuronal parts that allow them to communicate with one another. (see The Nervous System)
   
   
5. Describe the electrical and chemical changes that lead to an action potential. Define myelin and discuss its effects. (see Action Potentials)
   
   
6. Explain how polarization and refractory periods affect signal transduction in the nervous system. (see Action Potentials)
   
   
7. Define neurotransmitter and synapse, and describe their roles in nervous-system activity. (see Synapses and Communication Between Neurons)
   
   
8. Describe the role of receptors in the communication process between neurons. (see Neurotransmitters)
   
   
9. Compare and contrast action potentials and postsynaptic potentials. (see Excitatory and Inhibitory Signals)
   
   
10. Define excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Describe their role in the creation of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell. (see Excitatory and Inhibitory Signals)
    
    
11. Define sensory system and motor system. Describe their roles in two components of information processing: input and output. (see Organization and Functions of the Nervous System)
    
    
12. Name the two major divisions of the nervous system. (see Organization and Functions of the Nervous System)
    
    
13. Name the two components of the peripheral nervous system and describe their functions. (see The Peripheral Nervous System: Keeping in Touch with the World)
    
    
14. Name the two components of the autonomic nervous system and describe their functions. (see The Autonomic Nervous System)
    
    
15. Define nuclei and fiber tracts. (see The Central Nervous System: Making Sense of the World)
    
    
16. Name the type of neurons found in the spinal cord and describe their function. Define reflex. (see The Spinal Cord)
    
    
17. Name and define the three major subdivisions of the brain and describe their functions. (see The Brain)
    
    
18. Name and define the structures in the hindbrain. Describe their functions. (see The Hindbrain)
    
    
19. Name and define the structures in the midbrain. Describe their functions. (see The Midbrain)
    
    
20. Name and define the structures in the forebrain. Describe their functions. (see The Forebrain)
    
    
21. Describe the experimental methods used by scientists in their study of Alzheimer's disease. (see Focus on Research Methods: Manipulating Genes in Animal Models of Human Disease)
    
    
22. Define cerebral hemisphere and cerebral cortex. Name the four lobes that make up the cortex and state their locations. (see The Cerebral Cortex)
    
    
23. Name the three functional divisions of the cortex and describe their functions. (see The Cerebral Cortex)
    
    
24. Name and describe the role of the areas in the association cortex involved in understanding and producing language. (see The Association Cortex)
    
    
25. Describe split brain studies and explain the function of the corpus callosum. (see The Divided Brain in a Unified Self)
    
    
26. Describe the lateralization of the cerebral hemispheres. (see Lateralization of Normal Brains)
    
    
27. Define synaptic plasticity. Explain why it is impossible for the brain to heal damaged neurons. Describe the methods used to help people recover from brain damage today. (see Plasticity: in the Central Nervous System)
    
    
28. Describe the changes that occur in the nervous system throughout development. (see Linkages: Human Development and the Changing Brain)
    
    
29. Define neurotransmitter systems. Name and describe the location of the seven major neurotransmitters. Discuss the behaviors and mental processes associated with each of them. (see The Chemistry of Psychology)
    
    
30. Describe the effects of nootropic drugs and the conclusions that are most reasonable about their use as "smart drugs." (see Thinking Critically: Are There Drugs That Can Make You Smarter?)
    
    
31. Define endocrine system, glands, and hormones. Compare and contrast the differences between the communication processes of the nervous and endocrine systems. (see The Endocrine System: Coordinating the Internal World)
    
    
32. Define the fight-or-flight syndrome. (see The Endocrine System: Coordinating the Internal World)
    
    
33. Define negative feedback systems. (see The Endocrine System: Coordinating the Internal World)
    
    
34. Compare and contrast the functionality of the immune system to the nervous and endocrine systems. Define autoimmune disorder. (see The Immune System: Defending the Body)
    
    
35. Describe the interaction of the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. (see The Immune System: Defending the Body)