Biological Bases of Behaviour Flashcards
Primary function of the nervous system
senses - process information - triggers reaction
Primary function of a neuron?
transfer info within N.S - receive, process, transmit
What is a sensory neuron?
transmit info from sensory receptors to the brain
AFFERENT
What is a motor neuron?
transmit commands from brain to muscles/glands
EFFERENT
What is an interneuron?
interconnect sensory and motor neurons
Function of the thyroid gland
growth, metabolism, energy levels, mood
Function of the adrenal glands
adrenaline - emergencies/threat
Pancreas
blood-sugar levels
What makes up the nervous system
CNS - brain, spinal cord, nerves
PNS - sensory neurons, ganglia (cluster of neurons)
What is the autonomic NS?
involuntary - body processes; BP, breathing
What is the somatic system?
voluntary - nerves that connect brain/spinal cord to muscles and sensory receptors
What is the endocrine system?
glands that release hormones into the blood - activate cells in the body
What are mirror neurons?
action perception, imitative behaviour, understanding and perceiving actions
social interactions + personal relationships
Types of neurotramsitters
(nora)Adrenaline, GABA, endorphins, glutamate, dopamine, serotonin
Process of a nerve pulse
action potential = release of neurotransmitters
Action potential
resting potential - depolarisation - firing threshold - action potential
+40mV
Dendrite
receive info from neurons / inputs
Soma/nucleus/cell body
‘brains’ of neuron
Myelin sheath
facilitates transmission, insulates nerve cell
Synapse
place of transmission - gap between axon terminal and dendrite
Terminal button
end of axon
Axon
carries info to other neurons
What is behavioural genetics?
influence of genes on biological function
Define heritability
variations in a trait across people that can be accounted for
