Serotonin is a neurotransmitter primarily found in the brain, intestines, and blood. In psychology, serotonin plays a significant role in mood regulation, emotional well-being, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions. Abnormalities in serotonin levels or its neural pathways are often associated with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.| Simply Psychology
The thalamus is a structure of the brain that processes and transmits sensory (except for smell) and motor information from the body to the cerebral cortex.| Simply Psychology
The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for planning, impulse control, and decision-making—doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. While a child’s brain grows rapidly in size during early childhood, the prefrontal cortex continues developing in complexity and function well into early adulthood.| Simply Psychology
Gyri (singular: gyrus) and sulci (singular: sulcus) are the raised and folded structures, respectively, on the cerebral cortex of the brain.| Simply Psychology
This section provides revision resources for AQA A-level psychology and the Schizophrenia chapter. The revision notes cover the AQA exam board and the new specification.| Simply Psychology
Procedural memory is a type of long-term memory that stores information related to motor skills, habits, and actions. It allows individuals to perform tasks automatically and without conscious effort, as it involves the learning and retention of procedures, routines, and how to execute specific actions.| Simply Psychology
The forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain are the three main brain divisions. The forebrain handles higher cognitive functions, the midbrain controls motor movement and sensory processing, and the hindbrain manages coordination, balance, and autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.| Simply Psychology
The brainstem is the stalk-like lower part of the brain that connects the main brain (cerebrum) to the spinal cord. It sits at the base of the skull, just above the spinal cord, and is considered part of the central nervous system (CNS).| Simply Psychology
The human brain is a complex organ, made up of several distinct parts, each responsible for different functions. The cerebrum, the largest part, is responsible for sensory interpretation, thought processing, and voluntary muscle activity. Beneath it is the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord and oversees automatic processes like breathing and heart rate. The limbic system, containing structures like the hippocampus and amygd...| Simply Psychology
The temporal lobe, located near the temples, is the second largest lobe of the human cerebrum, accounting for almost one-fourth of the brain's volume. It processes auditory information, forms memories, comprehends language, and regulates emotions through key structures like the hippocampus and primary auditory cortex.| Simply Psychology
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupillary response.| Simply Psychology
The 12 cranial nerves are essential nerve pathways that originate in the brain and serve critical functions in the body, primarily in the head and neck. These nerves are: I. Olfactory (smell), II. Optic (vision), III. Oculomotor (eye movement), IV. Trochlear (eye movement), V. Trigeminal (facial sensation and chewing), VI. Abducent (eye movement), VII. Facial (facial expressions and taste), VIII. Vestibulocochlear (hearing and balance), IX. Glossopharyngeal (taste and swallowing), X. Vagus (c...| Simply Psychology
The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is a small but powerful structure in the brain’s basal forebrain. It acts as a hub for processing reward, motivation, and pleasure. Think of it as the brain’s motivational switchboard—it helps us decide what feels good, what’s worth pursuing, and what behaviors to repeat.| Simply Psychology
In psychology, the hippocampus is a crucial structure within the brain's medial temporal lobe. It plays a vital role in forming and retrieving memories, spatial navigation, and emotional responses. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to memory impairments and difficulty forming new memories, highlighting its importance in learning and cognition.| Simply Psychology
The amygdala is a complex structure of cells nestled in the middle of the brain, adjacent to the hippocampus (which is associated with memory formation). It is part of the limbic system and plays a key role in processing emotions and emotional reactions.| Simply Psychology
Learn 7 brain tips to utilize the power of internal and external motivation and how to catapult you to your goals using intrinsic and extrinsic motivation| blog.heartmanity.com
The Id, Ego, and Superego are components of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. The Id represents our basic instincts and desires, seeking immediate gratification. The Ego, guided by reality, balances the Id’s impulses with social norms. The Superego is our moral conscience, pushing us to follow ethical standards. Together, they shape our behavior and personality.| Simply Psychology
