Biopsych Flashcards
What is he main assumption of biopsychologists?
Behaviour is caused by activity in the nervous system
What is the nervous system?
A specialised network of cells in the human body
Our primary internal communication system
What are the two main function of the nervous system?
To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
To coordinate the working of differ organs and cells
Draw the nervous system and its subdivisions
Peripheral NS
Autonomic NS, somatic NS
Sympathetic NS, parasympathetic NS
Central Ns
Brain, spinal cord
What is the role of the peripheral NS?
Transmits messages via millions of neutrons to and from the CNS
What is the role of the autonomic NS?
Governs vital function in the body
Such as breathing, digestion and homeostasis
What is the role of the somatic NS?
Responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the spinal cord
What is the role of the sympathetic NS?
What is it a subdivision of?
Peripheral NS> autonomic NS> sympathetic NS
Prepares the body for the fight to flight response
What is the role of the parasympathetic NS?
What is it a subdivision of?
Peripheral NS> autonomic NS> parasympathetic NS
Returns body to pretreat state after fight or flight response
Maintains and conserves body energy
What happens to the heart when the sympathetic NS is activated?
Increased heart rate so oxygen can be pumped to organs that need it
What happens to the heart when the parasympathetic NS is activated?
Decreases heart rate
What happens to the lungs when the sympathetic NS is activated?
Dilates bronchi so we breathe in more oxygen to be pumped to organs that need it
What happens to the lungs when the parasympathetic NS is activated?
Constricts bronchi
What happens to the eyes when the sympathetic NS is activated?
Dilates pupils to let in more light so we can see threats in the dark
What happens to the eyes when the parasympathetic NS is activated?
Constricts pupils
