Topic 2:

biological
psychology
1. Define biological psychology;
2. Describe the structures and functions of neurons and
nerves
3. Explain the organisation of the nervous system - the
Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral
Nervous System (PNS)
4. Identify the main components of the brain regions and
their functions
5. Discuss the functions of the endocrine system
6. Explain the genetic influence on human development
from the psychological perspective.
1. Define biological psychology

Biological psychology is a
comprehensive study that
explores the functions of the
brain and the nervous system in
relation to behaviour.
 the study of behaviour and experience in terms of genetics,
evolution, and physiology, especially of the nervous system.
 the scientific study that is primarily concerned with the
relationship between the psychological processes and the
underlying physiological events or the mind-body
phenomenon.
 is also known as physiological psychology, psychobiology,
biopsychology or behavioural neurosciences.
Have you ever wonder why twin siblings can behave differently
despite living in the same house?
In your opinion, is it genetic or environmental factors that influence
their difference in behaviours?
2. Describe the structures and
functions of neurons and nerves
What is a neuron?
 A neuron is a nerve cell that makes up our nervous system.
 The main function of the neuron is to transmit information
throughout the body.
 These highly specialised nerve cells are responsible for
communicating information in both chemical and electrical
forms. Neurons or nerve cells are found in the brain, spinal
cord and nerves.
NEURON
BASIC STRUCTURE OF
NEURON
(a) Nucleus
The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure that consists of the cell’s
hereditary information and controls the growth and reproduction of cells.
(b) Cell Body
contains the nucleus of the cell : the genetic material in the
form of chromosomes.
(c) Dendrites
 looks like branches or spike extending out from the cell
body.
 Function - receive chemical messages from other neurons.
(d) Axon
Axon is a single, thin and long tube-like extension that carries
the information to be transmitted to other neurons.
(e) Terminal Buttons
At the end of the axon are terminal buttons, that is responsible
for the launch of the messages to other neurons.
(f) Synapse
 The synapse is the point of connection between two neurons
 Electrochemical communication between neurons takes
place at these junctions.
How Do Neurons Transmit
Messages?

Dendrites -> Cell body ->Axon -> Terminal buttons

3. Explain the organisation of the
nervous system
Central Nervous System (CNS)
 The central nervous system is a bundle of nerves that leaves the brain, runs
down the length of the back, and is the main means for transmitting messages
between the brain and body.
 The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord communicates with the rest
of the body through the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
 This interruption in instructions to the arms, legs and other parts of the body
will prevent the individual from moving, and sometimes breathing, and
obstructs or stops any sense of feeling or touch.

 ** Christopher Reeve
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
 The peripheral nervous system is made up of bundles of
axons connecting the spinal cord to the rest of the body. The
PNS is divided into two parts,
Autonomic Nervous system controls our internal organs such as
our heart, lungs and kidneys. The term autonomic refers to
involuntary and automatic. This means that it is partly automatic.
We are unaware of these activities although they are
controlled by our brain and spinal cord.

Somatic Nervous system is the peripheral nerves that

transmit information to our skin and muscles are called
the somatic nervous system. They are responsible for
voluntary movements such as dancing, writing and
jumping.
4. Identify the main components of the brain regions and their
functions;
3 parts of the brain

 Cerebrum-The cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain and

associated with higher brain functions such as thought and action. It
makes up 85 per cent of brain weight. The cerebrum is divided into two
symmetrical halves the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere.
 Brain Stem-The brain stem sits beneath the cerebrum and in front of the
cerebellum.It plays a vital role in basic attention, arousal and
consciousness. All information to and from our body passes through the
brain stem on the way to or from the brain.
 Cerebellum-The cerebellum is smaller than the cerebrum at 1/8th of its
size. It is involved in the coordination of voluntary motor movement,
balance and equilibriumand muscle tone. It is located towards the
back of the brain and just abovethe brain stem.
3 components of the brain?

Forebrain - the largest division of the brain and consists of the

cerebrum, thalamus and hypothalamus.
The cerebral cortex is divided
into four lobes
Midbrain - is the smallest division and it makes connections
with the other two divisions and alerts the forebrain to
incoming sensations.
Hindbrain - is made up of the cerebellum, pons and medulla. It
is involved in sleeping, waking, body movements and the
control of vital reflexes such as the heart rate and blood
pressure.
 5. Discuss the functions of the
endocrine system;
• The endocrine system is closely related to the autonomic nervous system.
A chemical communication network sends messages throughout the
nervous system via the bloodstream. In other words, it is a set of glands that
produces hormones and releases them into our blood.

• The endocrine system produces hormone chemicals that circulate through

the blood and affect the functioning or growth of other parts of the body.

• Our hormones are actually similar to neurotransmitters. They both affect

our nervous system.
 Hormones are chemical substances formed in one organ or part of
the body and carried in the blood to another organ or part where
they exert functional effects.

 Hormones are released into the different parts of the body slower -
the movement of hormones is very much like radio waves.
**refer emodule

a). Pituitari-antidiuretic,corticotropin,growth
hormone,luteinizing hormone(LH) & folicle
stimulation hormone(FSH), oxytocin dan prolactin
b). Adrenal - corticosteroid
c). Gonad - estrogen / testosterone
d). Pankreas - insulin & glucagon
e). Paratiroid – parathyroid hormone
f). Tiroid - triiodothyronine T3 dan Tiroksin T4
g). Pineal - melatonin
6. Explain the genetic influence on human development from
the
psychological perspective.

Explain dominant genes vs Recessive genes?

 (Refer page 48)
Direct Influence
 Generally, a single gene has almost complete control of the outcome.
Our environment has almost no effect. Examples: include eye colour,
hair texture and skin colour.

Indirect Influence
 No one gene has control of the outcome. Rather, the genes can
influence behaviour by influencing other characteristics that are
associated with or opposite to it. For example, a gene that makes you
inattentive and restless will interfere with behaviours that involve
sitting for long periods such a sattending a lecture.
Genes control to a certain extent all our behaviours and mental
processes - includes intelligence, personality and attitudes.
However, our environment and the adjustments that we make in our
environment can reduce the determinants of our genes.
For example, **phenylketonuria is an inherited condition that can
lead to mental retardation, but with strict diet alterations during
the first two years of life, the risk of mental retardation can be
greatly reduced.

** An inherited disorder that causes a build-up of phenylalanine (an

amino acid) in the blood. This can cause mental retardation,
behavioral and movement problems, seizures, and delayed
development.
 summary
 An understanding of human biology is very important in studying psychology. We will be better
able to explain human behaviours if we know its internal working.
 All behaviours can be traced back to the activity of neurons, which carry information from one cell
to another.
 Communication between neurons is chemical: neurotransmitters cross the synapse, attach to
receptor sites and inhibit or excite the receiving cell.
 The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous
system (PNS) which includes the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
 The human brain has two hemispheres: left and right. The brain is also divided into four lobes -
occipital, parietal, temporal and frontal lobes and each has basic functions. The brain also has
association areas, which can cause impairment if damaged.
 We also learned how our genes affect behaviour through dominant and recessive genes. The
genetic factor plays a strong role in our behaviour as well as our physical appearance.
 The genes that we inherit strongly influence the individual characteristics that we have. Genetic
variations will lead to differences between individuals.