Biological Aspects in AP Psychology

Definition

Biological aspects refer to the physical and chemical processes in the body that contribute to mental illness. This includes factors such as genetics, brain structure and function, neurotransmitters, and hormonal imbalances.

Related terms

Genetics:

The study of inherited traits and how they can predispose individuals to certain mental illnesses.

Neurotransmitters:

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells. Imbalances in neurotransmitters can contribute to various mental health disorders.

Brain Structure and Function: Refers to both the physical composition (structure) and how different regions of the brain perform specific tasks (function). Understanding these aspects helps identify abnormalities associated with mental illnesses.