1110 Lecture Notes - Classical Conditioning, Melatonin, Operant Conditioning Chamber
Document Summary
Ch5: body rhythms & mental states4/3/2013 3:59:00 pm. Biological rhythm: a periodic, more of less regular fluctuation in a biological system; may or may not have psychological implications. Entrainment: the synchronization of biological rhythms with external cues, such as fluctuations in daylight. Endogenous: generated from within rather than by external cues. Circadian rhythm: a biological period (from peak to peak or trough to trough) or about 24 hours from latin circa, Exist in plants, animals, insects, and human beings. Reflect the adaptation of organisms to the many changes associated with the earth"s rotation. Circadian rhythms are controlled by a biological clock (suprachiasmatic nucleus) scn: an area of the brain containing a biological clock that governs circadian rhythms. Allow it to respond to changes from light and dark (master pacemaker) Regulates fluctuating levels of hormones and neurotransmitter. Ex: dark hours: melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland. Sleep in dark room: melatonin level rises, wake up to a lightened room: decreases.
