Exploring the 🧠 Biological and 🧬 Neurological Foundations of Human Behavior

Overview of Biopsychology:

Biological psychology, also known as physiological psychology and neuro psychology, is a subfield of psychology that primarily focuses on the biological aspects of behavior. It analyzes how the brain, neurons, nervous system, neurotransmitters, and genes affect the behavior of an individual. In this article, we will discuss the history, perspectives, biological factors that influence behavior, and methods of studying the human brain. We will also explore the evolution of the brain and behavior, the nervous system, and the differences between the brain and the mind.

History of Biopsychology:

In the Stone Age, it was believed that mental illnesses or psychological disorders were caused by evil spirits. The treatment for these conditions involved a method known as trephining, where a hole was chipped into a patient's skull using crude stone instruments to allow these spirits to escape from the person's body.

Perspective of brain and Behavior:

Throughout history, various perspectives on the brain and behavior have been proposed. Aristotle believed in mentalism, which holds that the mind and soul are responsible for an individual's behavior. Descartes' dualism posited that the brain serves as a connector between the mind and body, playing a vital role in human behavior while the mind is located inside the brain. Darwin's materialism claimed that all living organisms are interrelated, with humans being a modified form of monkey. Due to the evolution of the brain, human behavior evolved from the simplest to the most complex. John Locke believed that a child's mind was like a blank slate at birth.

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Biological factors that may influenced human Behavior:

Biological factors that influence human behavior include the brain, spinal cord, neurons, neurotransmitters, hormones, gut, heart, and genes. Researchers in biological psychology are interested in understanding how biological processes affect human behavior, feelings, and emotions.

Difference between brain and Mind:

The brain is a biological organ, while the mind is not. The brain has a structure, but the mind is a function of the brain. In other words, the brain is hardware, while the mind is software. The mind is a combination of an individual's childhood memories, thinking, judgment, perception, experiences, and imagination. It is located inside the human brain. When the brain's structure is disturbed, it affects the human mind, and when the mind's function is disturbed, it affects human behavior.

Method of Studying human Brain:

Several methods are used to study the human brain. The clinical/anatomical method involves studying the central nervous system of a patient who has suffered brain damage due to an injury. Invasive methods, such as chemical or electrical stimulation of the brain, are used only for non-human animals. The electroencephalogram (EEG) technique is used to measure the electrical activity of the brain, which is recorded from the outside by fitting electrodes to the skull. The activities of the brain can be traced on paper, and typically, brainwave patterns are associated with different states of arousal. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is used primarily for the detection and diagnosis of brain injuries and diseases. Positron emission tomography (PET) diagnoses brain abnormalities more efficiently than CT. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to identify small tumors in the brain and the slightest reduction of blood flow in veins. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) are methods used to focus on the tiny area of the brain.

Evolution of Brain and Behavior:

The human brain is continuously changing and developing with new experiences and learning. For example, when an individual starts doing a new task, like driving a motorcycle, the brain adapts to this new experience. Similarly, when an individual stops doing some work, our brain forget it.

How nerves system influence our Behavior:

The nervous system is a complex network of cells and organs that coordinate and control the functions of the body. It is responsible for receiving information from the environment, processing it, and generating appropriate responses.

The nervous system can be divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are enclosed and protected by the bones of the skull and vertebral column, respectively. The PNS includes all the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body, including the cranial nerves that originate from the brain and the spinal nerves that emerge from the spinal cord.

The nervous system is composed of two types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body. They have a cell body, dendrites (which receive signals from other neurons), and an axon (which sends signals to other neurons). Glial cells, on the other hand, provide support and insulation for neurons, and play important roles in regulating the environment around neurons.

The nervous system uses electrical and chemical signals to communicate information between neurons. When a neuron receives a signal from another neuron, an electrical impulse called an action potential is generated, which travels down the axon and triggers the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on other neurons, either exciting or inhibiting their activity, and allowing information to be transmitted throughout the nervous system.

The nervous system is involved in a wide range of functions, including sensation, movement, thought, emotion, and behavior. Disorders of the nervous system can have serious consequences, including paralysis, seizures, dementia, and mental illness. Treatments for nervous system disorders include medication, surgery, and various forms of therapy.

Neurotransmitters and Hormones:

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are released by neurons and transmit signals between neurons, while hormones are chemicals that are produced by glands in the endocrine system and are carried by the bloodstream to target organs.

Some important neurotransmitters and hormones involved in behavior are:

Dopamine:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in reward processing and motivation. It is released in response to pleasurable stimuli such as food, sex, and drugs of abuse.

Serotonin:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. It is also involved in social behavior and aggression.

Oxytocin:

Oxytocin is a hormone that is involved in social bonding, trust, and empathy. It is released during social interactions such as hugging, kissing, and sex.

Testosterone:

Testosterone is a hormone that is involved in aggression, dominance, and sexual behavior. It is produced mainly in the testes in males and in smaller amounts in the ovaries in females.

Gut-Brain Axis:

The Gut-Brain Axis is the bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain. The gut is often referred to as the "second brain" because it contains a complex network of neurons that can operate independently of the brain.

The gut produces several hormones and neurotransmitters that can influence mood and behavior. For example, serotonin, which is produced in the gut, is involved in regulating mood, while ghrelin, which is produced in the stomach, is involved in regulating appetite.

The gut microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms that live in the gut, can also influence behavior. Studies have shown that changes in the gut microbiome can lead to changes in mood, cognition, and social behavior.

Genetics and Behavior:

Genetics can also play a role in behavior. Certain genes have been linked to personality traits such as extraversion and neuroticism, as well as to mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

Twin studies have been used to investigate the role of genetics in behavior. Identical twins share 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins share on average 50% of their genes. By comparing the behavior of identical twins to that of fraternal twins, researchers can estimate the heritability of a trait.