Biopsychology Flashcards
WHAT IS OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM?
The nervous system is a specialised network of cells in our body.
It is our primary internal communication system and sends information around our body using electrical and chemical signals.
WHAT ARE THE NERVOUS SYSTEMS FUNCTIONS?
Its two main functions are to:
Collect, process and respond to information in the environment
Co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
WHATS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM DIVIDED INTO?
The nervous system is divided into two subsystems:
The central nervous system (CNS)
The peripheral nervous system (PNS)
WHATS THE CNS MADE UP OF?
ITS THE ORIGIN OF?
The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
It is the origin of all complex commands and decisions.
THE CNS BRAIN
Comprised of billions of interconnected neurons.
It is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions from other animals.
It is divided into two hemispheres and also has distinct lobes. A
ll of the areas of the brain interact with one another to provide the foundation for our thoughts and behaviours.
CNS SPINAL CORD
The spinal cord is like a relay station.
It not only passes messages to and from the brain, but it also has its own system of automatic processes, called reflexes.
The top of the spinal cord merges with the brain stem, where the basic processes of life are controlled, such as breathing and digestion and ends just below the ribs.
THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS)
The PNS transmits messages via nerves, carrying messages back and forth between the CNS and the muscles, organs and glands in the periphery of the body (i.e. everything outside the CNS).
WHAT IS THE PNS SUBDIVIDED INTO?
Somatic nervous system (SNS)
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
WHAT IS THE SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?
The SNS is associated with activities traditionally thought of as conscious or voluntary.
It is involved in the relay of sensory and motor information to and from the CNS; therefore, it consists of sensory neurons and motor neurons.
Sensory neurons carry sensory information to the CNS. These are known as afferent neurons, they carry information to the CNS.
Motor neurons carry instructions from the CNS to the muscles. These are known as efferent neurons, they carry information from the CNS.
WHAT IS THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?
The ANS controls our internal organs and glands and is generally considered to be outside the realm of voluntary control.
WHATS THE ANS SUBDIVIDED INTO?
It can be further subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
WHAT IS THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?
The sympathetic nervous system is involved in preparing the body for stress-related activities (‘fight-and-flight’).
WHAT IS THE PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?
The parasympathetic nervous system is associated with returning the body to routine, day-to-day operations (‘rest-and-digest’).
WHAT ARE THE TWO SYSTEMS COMPLEMENTARY FUNCTIONS?
Operating in tandem to maintain the body’s homeostasis. Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium, in which biological conditions (such as body temperature) are maintained at optimal levels.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
WHAT DOES IT WORK ALONGSIDE WITH?
WHAT DOES IT DO?
The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body.
It acts more slowly than the nervous system, but is equally as important. It regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood and into old age, including the development of the brain and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as well as the metabolism and blood sugar levels.