Biological psychology

• Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.
• Cerebral cortex is made up of grey matter which contains cell bodies and white matter which contains axons
• The hypothalamus contains neurons that stimulate or inhibit hunger, thirst, sexual arousal and aggressive impulses.
• The brain has three main parts - cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata
• The hypothalamus controls essential functions like hunger, thirst, sleep, body temperature, blood pressure and stimulation.
• The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis and integrates signals from the nervous system, endocrine system, and cardiovascular system.
• The brain is the most complex structure known to man
• Nerves carry messages between the central nervous system and other parts of the body.
• Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information in the nervous system through electrical and chemical signals.
• The brain is divided into different regions that control specific functions such as movement, memory, emotion, and perception.
• Major anatomical directional terms and planes of section:
• Rostral/anterior – toward the head of a four-legged animal
• Caudal/posterior – toward the tail of a four-legged animal
• Inferior/ventral – toward the belly of a four-legged animal
• Superior/dorsal – toward the back of a four-legged animal
• Neuroaxis – line that runs the length of the spinal cord to the front of the brain
• Midline – dividing the body into two equal halves
• Ipsilateral – referring to structures on the same side of the midline
• Contralateral – structures on opposite sides of the midline
• Medial – toward the midline
• Lateral – away from the midline
• Proximal – closer to the center, usually applied to limbs
• Distal – farther away from another structure, usually in reference to limbs
• Coronal section – dividing the brain from front to back, also known as frontal section
• Sagittal section – parallel to the midline
• Midsagittal section – divides the brain into two approximately equal halves
• Horizontal/axial section – divides the brain from top to bottom
• Dura mater – composed of leather-like tissue that follows the outlines of the skull bones
• Three layers of the meninges, circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, and major sources of blood supply to the brain:
• Arachnoid layer – more delicate layer
• Pia mater – the innermost layer, sticks closely to the outer side of the brain
• Cerebrospinal fluid – secreted within the hollow spaces in the brain, similar in composition to clear plasma of the blood
• Choroid plexus – converts material from nearby blood supply into cerebrospinal fluid
• Major sources of blood supply in the brain: Carotid arteries, Vertebral arteries, Anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries
• Major divisions and functions of the spinal cord:
• Spinal cord is shorter than the vertebral column
• 31 segments of the spinal cord
• 8 Cervical nerves – serve the head, neck, and arms
• 12 Thoracic nerves – serve most of the torso
• 5 Lumbar nerves – serve the lower back and legs