Chapter 2
The Biological Bases of Psychological Functioning

Learning Objectives for Chapter 2:
  1. Describe the main structural features of a neuron.
  2. Explain the function of each structure.
  3. Describe myelin and explain the functions it serves in the central nervous system.
  4. Explain neurogenesis and discuss its significance.
  5. Discuss the basic process involved when a neuron fires, describing the involvement of resting and action potentials.
  6. Explain the concept of neural threshold and the all-or-none effect.
  7. Describe how neural impulses are transmitted at the synapse.
  8. Name five neurotransmitters and indicate a psychological process in which each is involved.
  9. Name the divisions of the human nervous system and indicate how they relate to one another.
  10. Describe the function of the endocrine system and the roles of the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
  11. Discuss the ways in which researchers have been studying the effects of genes on psychological functioning.
  12. Define sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.
  13. Describe the basic structure and two major functions of the spinal cord.
  14. Discuss the two brainstem structures, their location, and their functions.
  15. Explain cross laterality.
  16. Describe the cerebellum and reticular formation, their locations, and their major functions.
  17. List the location and major functions of the RAS, limbic system, thalamus, septum, amygdala, and hippocampus.
  18. Discuss the role the basal ganglia plays in Parkinson's disease.
  19. Describe some of the techniques that have been used to study the structures and functions of the brain.
  20. Describe the location and function of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex.
  21. Identify and summarize the functions of the sensory, motor, and association areas of the cerebrum.
  22. Briefly summarize the respective functions of the right and left hemispheres.
  23. Explain the split-brain procedure, and describe how split-brain operations facilitate the study of brain functions.
  24. Discuss whether there are any significant differences between the brains of females and males.