Physiological Psychology
-By Timothy Lyons
The primary focus of physiological psychology from (Carson & Birkett, 2017) is a primer on the structure and function of both the cells of the nervous system and the structure of the nervous system itself. Physiological psychology also known as behavioral neuroscience is a growing field which combines experiments in psychology with research in neuroscience while elucidating the research goals of Generalization and Reduction. The historical underpinnings of the science explain the basis for the use of these goals and technological advances such as those of treatments for severe depression using deep brain stimulation and the use of light to change behavior by affecting single neurons (Carson & Birkett, 2017; Deisseroth, 2010).
Although this take on physiological psychology from (Carson & Birkett, 2017) continues to discuss ideas of natural selection and ethics in animal and human research, a more important aspect of this school of psychology comes about with the discussion of the function and structure of cells. The central and peripheral nervous system, their purpose and even a description of these compositions from the neuronal level starts out as the foundation for understanding how these mechanisms work. Within the framework of the neurons, the cellular interactions become the basis for the entire neurochemical interactions which support the behaviors that are the basis for physiological psychology. The importance of this detailed examination of cells from axons, myelin sheath and terminal buttons to synaptic activity shows that the chemical communication that is the primary function of these areas is the foundation of all actions within the human body.
As any discussion of physiological psychology (Carson & Birkett, 2017) moves into information on the nervous system and the details of the brain. It is interesting to note that the descriptors used to discuss the anatomy of the brain are Latin and Greek in origin (Merriam-Webster.com, 2017). It is often a difficult task to understand and remember parts of the brain and how they are named. This use of these Latin descriptors and their usefulness once understood by using metaphor, such as that when the term transverse is used it can be looked at as the same way as slicing a loaf of bread, assist any student of this school in a better visualization of the information that is presented.
After tackling the complicated explanation of the areas of the brain, it is possible to attempt to ease the learning curve of the nervous system by detailing its growth from the inception of the human. Perhaps it can be easier to understand how these things go together, their labeling and locations when there is a better understanding of how they form. I still find that this is a very complicated task. In addition to this complicated material, it might be useful to understand Physiological Psychology from ideas about the spinal cord, the peripheral and autonomic nervous system including its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
A great book that can introduce the reader to this topic is (Carson & Birkett, 2017). This is a quick yet heady introduction into physiological psychology and the areas of the brain with an overview of the nervous system. The reading which covers a huge amount of information in such a few chapters gives some indication as to how much is really known about the areas of the brain and their functions. This can be the foundation for a better understanding of Physiological Psychology and its practical application in informed clinical work.
References
Carlson, N. R., & Birkett, M. A. (2017). Physiology of Behavior (12 ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Deisseroth, K. (2010, October). Optogenetics: Controlling the Brain with Light [Extended Version]. Retrieved January 5, 2017, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/optogenetics-controlling/
Merriam-Webster.com. (2017). Definition of AMYGDALA. Retrieved January 5, 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amygdala