This section covers many different topics and concepts about the biological aspect of psychology. I found it very interesting learning about the 100 billion plus neurons that are in the brain and there functionality. Neurons are specialized cells that communicate with one another. The chapter also goes in depth as to the specific pieces and characteristics of neurons in the brain. This chapter discusses neural plasticity or changes that occur in the brain over time, one such stage is known as pruning; where 70 percent of neurons die off. Two different systems are mentioned, the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). There functions are further explained in the text. The most intriguing portion of the chapter to me was the differences between the left brain and right brain and how split brain surgery has effects on people. The left brain is more intellectual while the right deals more creatively. People often lean slightly more to one side being more intellectual or more creative. This has caused me to wonder which one do I lean more towards?
Biological Psychology (Chapter 3)
As a hardcore biology nerd, I got a little excited when I read your post. To me, the cellular basis of psychology is super interesting! How cool is it that microscopic cells are performing such complex and varied functions nonstop inside our bodies? I find it incredible that our body uses chemical and electrical signals more complex than anything man has made to allow us to function in an intricate yet flawless way. Our nervous system is such an unbelievable entity, and its formation in our bodies while we are developing (something I wonder if we'll cover in this course) is equally incredible.
As a hardcore biology nerd, I got a little excited when I read your post. To me, the cellular basis of psychology is super interesting! How cool is it that microscopic cells are performing such complex and varied functions nonstop inside our bodies? I find it incredible that our body uses chemical and electrical signals more complex than anything man has made to allow us to function in an intricate yet flawless way. Our nervous system is such an unbelievable entity, and its formation in our bodies while we are developing (something I wonder if we'll cover in this course) is equally incredible.
The amount of neurons in the human brain is amazing. I'm also fascinated by the biological aspect of psychology! The studies of people who have undergone split brain surgery were highly informative for scientists, but also very sad. I wonder if there are other subtle changes in the daily lives of the patients. It's difficult for me to believe that this surgery existed, how could the doctors judge the risk versus the benefit? It is also incredibly invasive. The split brain surgery reminds of Prefrontal Lobotomies. I'm really hopeful that medicine will progress far away from unneccesary and possibly destructive surgery.
I like to think of psychology as a blend of all the different sciences, biology & anatomy etc. It definitely makes it a little easier considering we've learned a majority of them before. As we read through all these terms though I just envision all the notecards we're going to have to make... (sigh)