Biopsych Flashcards
What is the brain?
The brain is an organ that:
- recieves info from sensory receptors
- sends messages to muscles and glands
- is the centre of all conscious awareness
What is the nervous system?
A body-wide system of nerve cells that collect information from the world, processes this information, then takes action by directing body organs and muscles through transmission of electrochemical messages
Outline the CNS
- Handles complex processing
- is responsible for receiving signals
- coordinates responses
What type of activity does the CNS govern?
Responsible for both voluntary and involunatry actions
What is the role of the brain in the nervous system?
- organ that receives info from sensory receptors
- sends messages to muscles and glands
What is the role of the spinal cord in the nervous system?
- relays info between the brain and the rest of the body
- allows the brain to monitor and regulate bodily processes
Outline the peripheral nervous system
Relays nerve impulses from CNS to the rest of the body, and from the body back to the CNS. Has 2 major divisions: somatic and autonomic
Outline the somatic nervous system
- comprised of both sensory and motor neurons
- sensory neurons relay messages TO the CNS
- motor neurons relay info FROM the CNS to other parts of the body
- also governs reflexes
Outline the autonomic system
- carries out involuntary actions (e.g. maintaining heartbeat, digestion)
- comprised of 2 antagonistic systems: parasympathetic and sympathetic
What neurotransmitters are used by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system?
Sympathetic: noradrenaline (stimulating)
Parasympathetic: acetylcholine (relaxing)
Outline the sympathetic nervous system
- produces emergency responses, such as fight or flight
