The document summarizes key biological processes involved in communication, behavior, growth regulation, and genetic transmission in the body. It discusses how neurons transmit signals through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters to allow internal communication. It also describes the roles of the endocrine and nervous systems in coordinating behaviors and regulating functions through hormones and neural pathways in the brain. Finally, it outlines basic principles of genetic transmission and how genes interact with environment to influence traits.
The Chapter 3 slides are relevant to APA Outcome 1.2a(3). Specific slides are additionally relevant to other outcomes as noted on the notes page associated with the relevant slide.
Fig. 3.2 . The dendrites are the primary information receivers, the soma is the cell body, and the axon transmits the cell’s messages. The myelin sheath that surrounds the axon helps speed up neural transmission. Terminal buttons at the end of the axon contain the chemicals that carry messages to the next neuron.
Fig 3.3. Neurons possess electrical properties even when they are neither receiving nor transmitting messages. The resting potential, a tiny negative electrical charge across the inside and outside of a resting cell, is created by an uneven distribution of ions across the cell membrane.
Fig 3.5. When the action potential reaches the end of the axon, chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, are released into the synapse, where they interact with the postsynaptic membrane of the next neuron, opening or closing its ion channels.
This slide begins to address Outcome 4.2a, applying psychology to the pursuit of healthy lifestyles.
Fig 3.6. The central nervous system contains the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system has various subsystems. (Based on Kalat, 1996.)
This slide relates to different research methods psychologists use; Outcome 2.2 thus applies.
Fig 3.8. The hindbrain (blue) acts as the basic life support system for the body, controlling such things as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The midbrain (orange) contains structures that help coordinate and relay information to higher centers.
Fig 3.9. The forebrain includes structures such as the limbic system and the cerebral cortex . Structures in the limbic system are thought to be involved in motivation, emotion, and memory. The cerebral cortes controls higher mental processes.
Fig 3.10. The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres - left and right- each consisting of four lobes . The lobes are specialized to control particular functions, such as visual processing in the occipital lobe and language processing in the frontal and temporal lobes.
This slide provides an opportunity to review case study techniques, therey helping to achieve Outcome 2.2.
Fig 3.12. Images originating in the left visual fields are projected to the right hemisphere, and information appearing in the right visual field is projected to the left hemisphere. Most language processing occurs in the left hemisphere, so split-brain patients can vocally report only stimuli that are shown in the right visual field. Here the subject can say only “port,” the word available for processing in the left hemisphere.
Fig 3.13. In potentially dangerous situations, the endocrine system releases hormones that produce energizing effects in the body, increasing our chances of survival through fighting back or running away.
This slide suggests the importance of different levels of explanation, Outcome 1.2c.
This slide relates to different research methods psychologists use; Outcome 2.2 thus applies.