Physiological/Biological
Psychology
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa - BS Psychology
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOLOGICAL/BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
OUTLINE
I. Physiological/Biological Perspective
II. Physiological Foundations
III. Historical Antecedents
IV. Areas
V. Biological Explanation of Behavior
VI. The Mind-Brain Relationship
physiological/biological psychology
Application of biology to the study of mental
processes and behavior
Study of psychology in terms of bodily mechanisms
Psychological processes have biological (or
physiological) correlates, is the basic assumption of
the whole field of biological psychology
Connection of psychology to the body
Scientific study of brain/behavior on controlled
experimental setting. Generally, uses animal
subjects.
UNILATERAL NEGLECT – one side of the brain
dysfunction
Main Scope
Evolution of brain and behavior
Development of the nervous system and behavior
over the life span
Psychopharmacology
Sensory and perceptual processes
Control and coordination of movement and actions
Control of behavioral states (motivation), including sex
and reproductive behavior, and regulation of internal
states
Biological rhythms and sleep
Mental Disorders
Neural mechanisms of learning and memory,
language and cognition
Recovery of function after damage to the nervous
system
physiological FOUNDATION
MONISM
belief that the universe consists of only one kind of
existence.
I. Materialism - the view that everything that exist is
material or physical. Something that is tangible/can
be perceive by our senses.
YEAR sEM
02 01
II. Mentalism - the view that only mind really exists
and the physical world exists only because we think
about it or perhaps only in the mind of God. Reject
the idea of Materialism
III. Identity Position - the universe has only one kind
of existence is both material and mental. Material
and Mental are considered as one entity
DUALISM
belief that there are different kinds of
substances and the mind and the body are
separate entities. Mind and Body work
independently.
1. Defended by French Philosopher Rene
Descartes.
2. Most common belief among nonscientists.
3. Rejected by most neuroscientists.
BUT QUESTION. WHAT COMMUNICATES TO
WHOM AND WHAT CONTROLS TO WHOM?
HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS
Avicenna (980 - 1037 C.E.) Muslim physician, the
most famous and influential of the philosopher-
scientists of the medieval Islamic world
In Western Philosophy, Plato and Aristotle as
Dualists
Rene Descartes (1641) Meditations on first
Philosophy and holds that the mind is a non-
extended, non-physical substance.
Rene Descartes - Pineal gland (actually the brain,
release melatonin) connects/command specific
behavior.
Galvin - electrical stimulation of frog's nerve caused
contraction of the muscle to which it was attached.
Flourens removed various parts of animals' brains
and observed their behavior.
1881, Paul Broca performed an autopsy on the brain
of a man who had a stroke that resulted in the loss
of the ability to speak. BROCA - part of the brain
responsible for speech production "Broca's Area".
1870, German physiologists Gustav Fritsch and
Eduard Hitzig used electrical stimulation as a tool
for understanding the physiological of the brain
AREAS
Mix of "pure" and "applied" research
 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOLOGICAL/BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
I. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Study of the effects of drugs on the brain, behavior,
and well as interactions. medication in treating
mental disorders
II. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
studies effects of brain damage in humans
Deals with clinical populations
Gathers information via case-studies
Works towards treatment
III. COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
cross between cognitive psychology and
physiological psychology. Connection between the
brain and mental processes. Experimental
exploration of human cognition and the physiological
processes involved
fMRI analysis of attention
Event-related potentials and dreaming
IV. PSYCHONEUROIMMNUNOLOGY
study of the interactions between the brain and the
immune system/endocrine system in regulation
behavior.
illness and stress
wound healing is much slower in psychologically
stressed adults
HIV progression
RESEARCH
Why we use nonhuman subjects?
1. While some questions about behavior can only be
addressed using human subjects, much can be
learned from studying the brains of other species.
2. Differences are more quantitative (relating to size)
than qualitative (relating to function).
3. Simpler brains makes it more likely that brain-
behavior interactions will be revealed.
4. Comparative approach - gain insight by making
comparisons with other species.
5. Fewer ethical restrictions.
6. Human and Animals have difference in brains'
physical appearance but the function is the same
the mind-brain relationship
brain functioning can be explained at a more
microscopic level in terms of neuron and glia
activity
Understanding the mind and consciousness is key
to biopsychology.

BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION OF BEHAVIOR

ONTOGENIC BEHAVIOR
describes the development of a structure or a
behavior. Combination of genes and environment
interaction. It maps the influences of nutrition,
genes, experiences, and the correlations or
interactions of these factors in producing behaviors.
EVOLUTIONARY EXPLANATION

examines a structure of a behavior in terms of

evolutionary history. This leads to the belief that
our ancestors have contributions on behavior
FUNCTIONAL EXPLANATION

describes why a structure or a behavior as it did.

What the function serves/purpose. Within a
small population a gene that spreads by pure
accident is called a genetic drift
PHYSIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION
relates a behavior to the activity of the brain and
other organs. The chemical reaction that allows
hormones to trigger brain activity and the path by
which brain activity controls the movement of
muscles through contractions would fall into this
category
Physiological/Biological YEAR sEM
Psychology 02 01
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa - BS Psychology

CHAPTER 1: structure and functions of cells of the nervous system

neurons types of neurons

our brain is made up of neurons and it is the most SENSORY NEURON

basic and the functional unit of the nervous system
It receives information and transmit it to other cells receives information from environment (skin)
INTERNEURON
carries signal between sensory and motor
neuron (brain)
MOTOR NEURON
generates a response

classes of neurons

MAIN STRUCTURE OF A NEURON

* four major parts

*CELL BODY (SOMA)

allows the body to survive and maintains cell

metabolism; without it, neuron will die
*DENDRITES

receives information to other neurons

MYELIN SHEATH

an insulating material that covered the axon

*AXON BULB

It starts the transmission of a neural signal from one

neuron to another MULTIPOLAR NEURON
*AXON
have several dendrites extending from the cell
bundle of nerve fibers body, and a single long axon
responsible for transmitting electrical signals to help
BIPOLAR NEURON
with sensory perception and movement

NEURON CELL MEMBRANE Have two processes emerging from the cell
body
composed of a lipid bilayer (fat); channel proteins;
semi-permiable. UNIPOLAR NEURON

NODE OF RANVIER only have one process emerging from the cell
cell body is in the outside
gaps in myelin sheath
 CHAPTER 1: structure and functions of cells of the nervous system

The Passive and Active Transport

the glia (glue)

do not transmit information

transmit chemicals with adjacent neurons
holds the neuron together

TYPES OF GLIA
ASTROCYTES
star shape; wrap around the synaptic terminals
together
allows neurons to be together

MICROGLIA
removes materials as well as viruses

OLIGODENDROCYTES
in the brain and spinal cord
it produced the myelin sheath

RADIAL GLIA
nerve impulse
guide the migration of neurons and only present
change in charge across the neuron's membrane
during embryonic development; eventually will
cause by the movement of ions
become waste product
cell to cell communication
blood brain barrier RESTING POTENTIAL

mechanism that keeps most chemicals out of the the sodium ions are more concentrated outside
vertabrate brain the cell and potassium ion are concentrated
How does it works? - it depends on the endothelial inside the cell
cells that form the walls of the capillaries. They are ACTION POTENTIAL
joined so tightly that they block viruses, bacteria,
and other harmful chemicals from the passage. the sodium ions are more concentrated inside the
cell and potassium ion are concentrated outside
PASSIVE TRANSPORT the cell
The movement of ions and molecules across the cell
membrane without requiring energy. (enter and exit TERMINOLOGIES
freely) POLARIZATION
small uncharged molecules (O2 and CO2) an electrical gradient; a difference in electrical
Fat-solubles charge between the inside and outside of the cell
HYPERPOLARIZATION
ACTIVE TRANSPORT exagerration of the usual negative charge within a
The process of transferring substances into, out of, cell
and between cells, using energy. DEPOLARIZATION
Glucose (brain's main fuel) decrease in the amount of negative chare within a
Amino acids (building blocks of protein) cell
Certain vitamins and hormones

NOURISHMENT OF THE VERTEBRATE NEURONS

GLUCOSE
enzymes necessary to metabolize fats & several
sugars
OXYGEN
 Physiological/Biological YEAR sEM
Psychology 02 01
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa - BS Psychology

CHAPTER 2: the concept of the synapse and its chemical events

4. Neurotransmitters will now bind itself to the

synapse/synaptic cleft receptors (found in dendrites of the post-synaptic
neuron)
it is the point of communication between two 5. Action potential will be now triggered in post-
neurons synaptic neuron

If problem arises in neurotransmitters in the

synapse, it can lead to psychological disorders.

Example: Theory in People with Depression

Serotonin (a neurotransmitter) is reuptaken to
Pre-synaptic pre-synaptic neuron which leads to low level of
Neuron
serotonin to people who have depression
Antidepressants are given to block the
serotonin from being reuptaken so it will be
transmitted to the post-synaptic neuron.
SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

two types of neurotransmitter

Post-synaptic INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Neuron

to counterbalance the action of excitatory

PRE-SYNAPTIC NEURON neurotransmitters
Example: GABA - most common inhibitory
sending neurons neurotransmitters
When the GABA is poor in functioning, anxiety can
POST-SYNAPTIC NEURON
happen.
receiving neurons EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTERS
NEUROTRANSMITTERS they increase the likelihood that the neuron will fire an
a chemical releases by the neuron that affects action potential
another neuron Example: Dopamine, Norepinephrine

AXON HILLOCK

soma and axon; controls the firing of the neuron

REUPTAKE

the reabsorption by a neuron of a neurotransmitter

CHEMICAL EVENTS AT THE SYNAPSE

1. Action potential travels along the axon where

sodium potassium pump also occurs
2. When the action potential reaches the axon bulb,
that's the time that synaptic vesicles will release
the neurotransmitters
3. Neurotransmitters will be now released in the
synapse
Physiological/Biological YEAR sEM
Psychology 02 01
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa - BS Psychology

CHAPTER 3: THE eNDOCRINE SYSTEM

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM controls pathways and feedback

loops
controls systems, maintain homeostasis (body's
need to reach and maintain a certain state of The Endocrine System secretes hormones that
equilibrium) coordinate slower but longer-acting responses
control chemical and water balance in body including reproduction, development, energy
control growth and metabolism metabolism, growth, and behavior
control embryonic development and preparation
for nurturing a newborn
influence sexual behavior, stimulate growth and
maturation of the gonads
feedback to the nervous system

overview: the body's long distance

regulators

animal hormones are chemical signals that are

secreted into the circulatory system and
communicate regulatory messages within the body
Hormones reach all part of the body, but only
target cells are equipped to respond
Hormones convey information via the bloodstream
to target cells throughout the body

comparison of endocrine and nervous

systems
The Hypothalamus and Pituitary integrate many
functions of the vertebrate endocrine system
Nervous System Endocrine System
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland control
much of the endocrine system
wired wireless Tropic hormones, hormones that regulate
endocrine glands
chemical signal at chemical signal at Tropic hormones are secreted into the blood and
target cell target cell transported to the anterior pituitary

NOTE:
rapid slow
Pituitary gland is called the "master gland"
because it releases certain hormones that can also
brief duration long duration
affects other glands.
Hypothalamus > Pituitary Gland
close anatomical specific Pituitary gland will only perform its function if
proximity receptors hypothalamus also perform its function.
 CHAPTER 3: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
ANTERIOR PITUITARY HORMONES
The anterior pituitary produce both tropic and
nontropic hormones
TROPIC HORMONES
Four strictly tropic hormones are
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Each tropic hormone acts on its target endocrine
tissue to stimulate release of hormone(s) with direct
metabolic or developmental effects
NON-TROPIC HORMONES
Non-tropic hormones are produced by the anterior
pituitary
Prolactin stimulates lactation in mammals but has
diverse effects in different vertebrates
MSH influences skin pigmentation in some
vertebrates and fat metabolism in mammals
Endorphins inhibit pains
Growth Hormone (GH) has tropic and non-tropic
actions. It promotes growth directly and has diverse
metabolic effects
It stimulates production of growth factors
posterior PITUITARY HORMONES
The two hormones released from the posterior pituitary
act directly on non-endocrine tissues
Oxytocin or also known as love hormone; induces
uterine contractions and milk ejection
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) also known as
vasopressin, enhance water reabsorption in the
kidneys
thyroid gland
is located below larynx and around trachea.
is involved in iodine uptake (in order to produce
thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) below).
produces 3 hormones when stimulated by TSH
Thyroxine (T4) & Triiodothyronine (T3)
- regulate metabolism
Calcitonin
- calcium balance
Parathyroid Hormone and Calcitonin: Control
of Blood Calcium
Two antagonistic hormones, parathyroid
hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, play the major
role in calcium (Ca2+) deposition in bones and
secretion by kidneys, lowering blood Ca2+
levels
thymus gland
Hormones produced by this organ stimulate the
production of T cells (a type of white blood
cells)
- T-cells - target of HIV
This gland is mostly active in children under the
age of three.
pineal gland
Located in the brain, secretes melatonin
Light/dark cycles control release of melatonin
Primary functions of melatonin appear to relate
to biological rhythms associated with sleep
GONADS
OVARIES
Secretes progesterone
prepares uterus for pregnancy
Secrete estrogen
female secondary characteristics
stores enough for several months
TESTES
Secretes androgens (e.g. testosterone)
promotes the formation of sperm
maintains secondary sex characteristics
testes are the primary sex organs in the male. NOT
the penis
 CHAPTER 3: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

ADRENAL GLANDS Pancreas

Diabetes Mellitus
Adrenal glands are adjacent to the kidneys
one type of insulin (not enough)
The adrenal medulla secrete epinephrine
(adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) Thryoid
The adrenal cortex secretes aldosterone and
Hyperthyroidism, commonest is Grave's Disease
cortisol
(autoimmune)
They are secreted in response to stress-activated
in childhood leads to cretinism
impulses from the nervous system
Endemic goiter from insufficient iodine in diet
Adult hypothyroidism (myxedema): autoimmune
pancreas

The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon,

antagonistic hormones that help maintain glucose
homeostasis
Glucagon is produced by alpha cells
Insulin is produced by beta cells

Target tissues for Insulin and Glucagon

Insulin reduces blood glucose levels by
promoting the cellular uptake of glucose
slowing glycogen breakdown in the liver
promoting fat storage

pathology

Adrenal Gland
Cushing's Syndrome
usually caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary
tumor
rarely by tumor of adrenal cortex
latrogenic
Over secretion of cortisol
Addison's Disease
hyposecretion of adrenal cortex
usually involves cortisol and aldosterone; low blood
glucose and sodium, severe dehydration, fatigue,
loss of appetite, abdominal pain
Pituitary

Gigantism
too much of GH in childhood
Acrogemaly
too much of GH in adulthood
Diabetes Insipidus
too much ADH
Giantism
oversecretion of somatotropin before puberty
Dwarfism
undersecretion of somatotropin. Cause: tumor,
injury, infection, genetics
Physiological/Biological YEAR sEM
Psychology 02 01
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa - BS Psychology

CHAPTER 4: THE neuroanatomy: the anatomy of the nervous system

NEUROANATOMY Terms Used to Denote Anatomical Direction

the anatomy of the nervous system

THE two nervous systems

Central Nervous System (CNS)

brain and spinal cord

conduct for info to and from brain
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Autonomic Nervous System - regulates the

glands and involuntary processes
Sympathetic Nervous System
Excitatory
heartbeat acceleration, raise blood pressure,
pupil dilation, gastrointestinal inhibition, anatomical planes
electrodermal activity increases
Parasympathetic Nervous System Three anatomical planes;
conserves energy Saggital
heartbeat deceleration, pupil constriction, Transverse
gastrointestinal activation Horizontal

Somatic Nervous System - transmits messages

from our sensory organs to the brain for
processing, leading to the experience of visual,
auditory, tactile, and other sensations
Commands emanating from the brain pass
downward through the spinal cord to nerves of
the somatic nervous system that connect to our
muscles, allowing us to voluntarily control our
movements, such as when raising an arm or
walking

neuroanatomy terms

Directional

Anterior - toward the front end

Posterior - toward the rear end
Ventral - toward the stomach
Dorsal - toward the back
Ipsilateral - same side of brain
Contralateral - opposite side of the brain
Bilateral - both sides
Unilateral - one side
Physiological/Biological YEAR sEM
Psychology 02 01
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa - BS Psychology

CHAPTER 4: THE neuroanatomy: the anatomy of the nervous system

Planes of Section as they pertain to the Human DURA MATER

Central Nervous System outer thick layer
ARACHNOID
middle layer
overlies the arachnoid space (CSF)
blood vessels run through arachnoid layer
PIA MATER
inner layer

(a) Relation of the Nervous System to the rest of the

body
(b) Meninges that cover the Central Nervous System
(c) Lower spinal cord and Caudia Equina

The meninges CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (csf)

brain floats in CSF (1400g--> 80g)

CSF produced by choroid plexus of the
ventricles (lateral, third, fourth)
Ventricles are an access point for drug studies
loss of CSF produces headaches
Hydroencephalus (build up of fluid in the brain)
 CHAPTER 4: THE neuroanatomy: the anatomy of the nervous system

VENTRICULAR SYSTEM OF THE BRAIN

hindbrain

Posterior part of the brain

myelENCEPHALON
most posterior division of the brain
also consist of reticular formation - involved in a
variety of functions including sleep, attention,
movement, the maintenance of muscle tone and
various cardiac circulatory, and respiratory
reflexes
MEDULLA
controls reflexes, such as breathing, heart rate,
vomiting, salivation, sneezing and coughing

metenCEPHALON

OVERVIEW OF THE CNS (BRAIN) PONS

ventral to the medulla, involves regulation of
breathing, taste and autonomic functions
involves regulation of breathing, taste and
autonomic functions
CEREBELLUM
"little brain", associated with balance and
coordination
important sensorimotor structure and some
cognitive functions

A Schematic Outline of the Brain

Development, Showing its Relation to the
Ventricles

midbrain

Middle part of the brain

SUBSTANTIA NIGRA
gives rise for dopamine containing pathway that
facilitates readiness for movement

mesenCEPHALON

TECTUM
(a) and (c) Early development
(b) and (d) Later development roof
(e) A lateral view of the left side of a Superior Colliculus (vision)
Semitransparent Human Brain Inferior Colliculus (hearing)
 CHAPTER 4: THE neuroanatomy: the anatomy of the nervous system

TEGMENTUM BASAL GANGLIA

beneath the tectum "ganglia" is a misnomer (term refers to

contains 3rd and 4th cranial nerves (oculomotor collections of cell bodies in periphery)
and trochlear) Basal ganglia consists of:
periaqueductal gray - globus pallidus
the substantia nigra (black substance) - caudete nucleius
red nucleus - putamen
substantia nigra and the red nucleus are both Basal ganglia are involved in the control of
important components of the sensorimotor movement
system.
DIenCEPHALON

THALAMUS
relay center of the brain
most sensory info goes first to the thalamus;
composed of:
Sensory relay nuclei - receive signals from
sensory receptors, process them, and then
transmit them to the appropriate areas of
sensory cortex
Lateral geniculate nuclei - relay station for
visual
Medial geniculate nuclei - relay station for
auditory
Ventral posterior nuclei - relay station for
somatosensory systems
forebrain HYPOTHALAMUS

metenCEPHALON located just ventral to the thalamus

it has widespread connections with the rest of
the largest division of the human brain the forebrain and the midbrain
initiates voluntary movement involves in motivated behaviors such as feding,
interprets sensory input drinking, temperature regualtion, fighting and
mediates complex cognitive processes such as sexual behavior
learning, speaking, and problem solving damage to any hypothalamic nucleus leads to
CEREBRAL CORTEX abnormalities in motivated behaviors, such as
feeding, drinking, temperature regulation, sexual
2 cerebral hemispheres behavior, fighting, or activity level
Cerebral cortex is the outer portion
underneath are other structures, including forebrain: pituitary gland
thalamus, basal ganglia, lymbic system
endocrine gland attached to the base of the
LYMBIC SYSTEM hypothalamus
circuit midline structures that circle the thalamus synthesizes hormones via blood to the organs in
(limbic means ring) response to messages from the hypothalamus
involved in the regulation of motivated behaviors
including the four Fs of motivation: fleeing,
feeding, fighting, and sexual behavior
Hypothalamus (vegetative function)
Hippocampus (learning and memory)
Amygdala (emotion including fear)
Septum (rage after lesions)
Olfactory bulb (sense of smell)
Cingulate gyrus (emotion including pain
 CHAPTER 4: THE neuroanatomy: the anatomy of the nervous system

forebrain: cerebral cortex

it consists of the cellular layers on the outer

surface of the cerebral hemispheres
the cerebral hemispheres are covered by a layer
of tissue called the cerebral cortex
often referred to as the gray matter
neurons in each hemispheres communicate with
neurons in the corresponding part of the other
hemisphere through two bundles of axons, the
corpus callosum smaller anterior commissure
Four Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex
Frontal Lobe - responsible for voluntary
movement
Occipital Lobe - receives and interprets visual
forebrain: basal forebrain information
Temporal Lobe - helps in regulating hearing,
ventral surface of the brain balance and equilibrium and certain emotions
key part of the brain for arousal, wakefulness, and motivations
and attention Parietal Lobe - regulates sensory information
from throughout the body

forebrain: hippocampus forebrain: amygdala

language structure between the thalamus and complex structure adjacent to the hippocampus
the cerebral cortex fear-processing, fight or flight response, reward
critical for storing different kinds of memories processing
individual events
CHAPTER 4: THE neuroanatomy: the anatomy of the nervous system
CHAPTER 4: THE neuroanatomy: the anatomy of the nervous system