Biological psychology - Essay Example

work] Biological Psychology Biological psychology, defined Biological psychology (often shortened to biopsychology) is the scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and mental states. (Biopsychology, 2006). Many researchers use the terms biological psychology and neuroscience interchangeably because both study the nervous system often using the same techniques (such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Magneto encephalography (MEG).Biological psychology is also known as biopsychology, psychobiology, physiological psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and neuropsychology.

Known research methods include studying changes in the central nervous system. Biological psychology also looks at genetics and their influence on the chances of a person getting a disease. For example, theories on phobias look at heritability. It is believed that phobias run in families, and that if someone has this specific phobia there is a 64% chance a first degree relative will also have it. Examples of this are phobias of blood, injury and injection (Biopsychology, 2006).Studying monozygotic/MZ (identical) and dizygotic/DZ (un-identical) twins is also a method used by biological psychologists.

With MZ twins, if one twin has a disorder, there is the likelihood that the other has it than DZ twins. This is explained as the MZ twins sharing 100% of their genes with DZ twins sharing only 50%. Adoption studies are also of interest to biological psychology. They help to rule out environmental factors, since these children have a genetical link to the disorder, but reared in an environment free from the contended disorder. In a way, this facilitates setting aside nature influences from nurture influences on the development of psychological disorders.

Biological psychology is also interested in neurotransmitters, particularly on whether a specific neurotransmitter in some large or small amounts has an effect on a disorder. Depression, for example, is associated with low levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, a link established by studies looking at what drugs have curative effect on depression (Biopsychology, 2006).2. Structure of the blood-brain barrier and its importance The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a diffusion barrier, which impedes entry of most compounds from blood to brain (Ballabh, Braun, & Nedergaard, 2004).

Its general properties are such that large molecules do not pass through the BBB easily. Low lipid (fat) soluble molecules do not penetrate into the brain, and molecules that have a high electrical charge are slowed. The BBB is semi-permeable such that it allows some materials to cross, but prevents others from crossing. It is because in the brain, the endothelial cells fit tightly together and substances cannot pass out of the bloodstream (Blood brain, 2006).The BBB is not fully formed at birth, yet it is very important.

It has several important functions which include protecting the brain from "foreign substances" in the blood that may injure the brain, protecting the brain from hormones and neurotransmitters in the rest of the body, and maintaining a constant environment for the brain (positscience, 2006). The blood-brain barrier, however, can be opened or broken by the following: hypertension (high blood pressure), hyper-osmosisity or a high concentration of a substance in the blood, exposure to microwaves, exposure to radiation, exposure to infectious agents, and trauma, ischemia, inflammation, pressure or injury to the brain (Blood brain, 2006).3. Plasticity of the Brain and examples Plasticity of the brain refers to the brain’s ability to change as a result of experience or injury (BrainWonders, 2006).

The term derives from the original meaning of "plastic" as "a moldable or pliable material." The human brain remains plastic throughout life, which is why human beings are able to learn new facts or skills at any age, but it is massively more so in early life. Scientists believe that harmful behaviors or neglect in early life can affect the brain, leading to lifelong problems. A healthy and caring environment, however, can create opportunities for the child to develop to his or her full potential.

(BrainWonders, 2006).Plasticity of the brain is of four kinds. (JFK Center, 2006.).There is developmental plasticity when the immature brain first begins to process sensory information. A young child beginning to learn language exemplifies developmental plasticity. There is activity-dependent plasticity when changes in the body alter the balance of sensory activity received by the brain. A person losing one eye and slowly learning to adjust with only one, would exemplify activity-dependent plasticity.

He does it with difficulty at first, but the person soon learns to adjust and provides a balance where at first, he was with two eyes. This time, he does it with only one.There is plasticity of learning and memory when we alter our behavior based on new sensory information. A student, for example, learns to study hard and not just play around in order to pass his course. He learns that time is too tight and so he must structure his activities in order to accommodate time for studying. He deletes what activities are inimical to his goal of passing, and enhances which are helpful.

Finally, there is injury-induced plasticity, following damage to the brain. A traumatizing experience like a bride whose groom did not show up on the wedding date may soon be learned to be forgotten and the brain will have adjusted as time heals emotional wounds. Scientists believe there is no determined period that "plasticity" of the brain is hindered or doomed, and that the brain can recover from damage.ReferencesBallabh, P., Braun, A. & Nedergaard, M. The blood-brain barrier: an overview: structure, regulation, and clinical implications.

Neurobiol Dis. 2004 June16 (1):1-13. Retrieved January 14, 2007, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15207256&dopt=AbstractJohn F. Kennedy (JFK) Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Staff. Brain Plasticity, Retrieved January 14, 2007, from http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy/research/topics/plasticity.html The Blood Brain Barrier. vBulletin® v3.6.4, Copyright ©2000-2007, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Retrieved January 2007, from http://faculty.

washington.edu/chudler/bbb.html. Brain Plasticity, Brain Change. Brain Fitness Channel. Database: positscience.com. Retrieved January 14, 2007, from http://bfc.positscience.com/about/neurogenesis.phpBrainWonders. Boston University of Medicine, Erikson Graduate school of Child Development, and Zero to Three. Glossary. Retrieved January 14, 2007, from http://www.zerotothree.org/brainwonders/glossary.htmlBiopsychology. Database: psychology.wikia.com. Last updated November 2006. Retrieved January 14, 2007, from http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Biopsychology