biopsych Flashcards
what connects a sensory and motor neuron?
Relay neuron, allow sensory and motor to communicate
describe the adrenal gland
it has 2 parts the adrenal cortex - cortisol and the adrenal medulla - adrenaline. Cortisol is a stress hormone and has cardiovascular functions. adrenaline helps the body prepare for fight or flight.
describe the pituitary gland
primary function to influence the release of hormones from other glands, to regulate bodily functions.
what has research shown about localisation of function in the brain
localisation of function is the theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for different behaviours, processes or activities. Research has taken places which both supports and rejects the theory.
One strength of localisation is that there is research to support the study. For example Peterson et al conducted a study in which he scanned the brains of participants when they were completing a listening and reading task. he used the brain scans and found that the wernikes area was active during the reading task. this is a strength as it provides data and supports the localisation of function theory.
one weakness of localisation is there is research that opposes the idea that language production is localised to the brocas area. for example dronkers et al completed a MRI scan of tans brain in order to investigate the extent of his brain damage and find evidence for the brocas area. they found that other areas could have caused the failure in speech production. this is a weakness as now researchers don’t know which part of the brain is responsible for the failure of speech and therefore can’t be sure its down to localisation of function.
what is the structure and function sensory neuron?
it is located in the PNS and messages travel from the PNS to the CNS. the sensory neuron has long dendrites and short axons. its function is to pick up sensory information from the sensory receptors which is then sent to the brain to be interpreted as a sensation.
what is the structure and function of a motor neuron?
is it located in the CNS but their axons are projected out of the CNS and messages travel from the CNS to the PNS. the motor neuron has small dendrites and long axons. its function is to send signals to effectors e.g muscles to control them.
what is the structure and function of a relay neuron?
it is located within the CNS and messages travel from the CNS to the CNS. the relay neuron has short dendrites and short axons. its function is to allow messages to be sent from the sensory to motor neuron.
why can a neuron transmitter only go one direction?
neurotransmitters are releases from the vesicles within the nerve cell, they then diffuse across the synapse and bind with a receptor on the membrane of the next neuron, making it impossible for the neurotransmitters to travel in the opposite direction.
