Biological Psychology

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  • Created by: Abi
  • Created on: 29-03-21 14:13
Central Nervous System
Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions.
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Neuron
The basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals.
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Neurotransmitters
Brain chemicals released from synaptic vesicles. Neurotransmitters relay signals from one neuron to another across a synapse. Neurotransmitters can be broadly divided into those that perform an inhibitory function.
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Synaptic Transmission
The process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the tiny gap (the synapse) that separates neurons.
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Recreational Drugs
Drugs are biochemicals that have specific effects on the functioning of the body's systems. Drugs may be used for physiological purposes or for psychological purposes. Drugs for psychological treatments are called 'psychoactive' and affect transmission in
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Aggression
Behaviour that is intended to cause injury. In humans this could be psychological as well as physical injury. In animals, aggression is often directed at establishing and maintaining dominance, or acquiring resources. Aggression is often express in ritual
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Evolution
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations.
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Natural Selection
The major process that explains evolution whereby inherited traits that enhance an animal's reproductive success are passed on to the next generation and thus 'selected', whereas animals without such traits are less successful at reproduction and their tr
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Sexual Selection
An evolutionary explanation of partner preference. Attributes or behaviours that increase reproductive success are passed on and may become exaggerated over succeeding generations of offspring.
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Unconscious
The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of our behaviour.
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Id.
The part of the personality driven by the pleasure principle, which functions only in the unconscious and is made up of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification.
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Ego
The 'reality check' that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the superego.
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Superego
The moralistic part of the personality which represents the ideal self - how we ought to be.
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Catharsis
The process of releasing pent-up psychic energy.
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Hormones
Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only affect target organs. They are produced by glands in large quantities but disappear quickly. Their effects are very powerful and widespread in the body.
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Card 2

Front

The basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals.

Back

Neuron

Card 3

Front

Brain chemicals released from synaptic vesicles. Neurotransmitters relay signals from one neuron to another across a synapse. Neurotransmitters can be broadly divided into those that perform an inhibitory function.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

The process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the tiny gap (the synapse) that separates neurons.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Drugs are biochemicals that have specific effects on the functioning of the body's systems. Drugs may be used for physiological purposes or for psychological purposes. Drugs for psychological treatments are called 'psychoactive' and affect transmission in

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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