Biopsychology Flashcards
What are the main functions of the central nervous system?
- To control behaviour
- Regulate physiological processes
How does the central nervous system function?
Receives information from the sensory receptors (eyes, ear, skin) and sends messages to the muscles and glands of the body
What is the spinal cord?
A collection of nerve cells which are attached to the brain and run the length of the spinal column
What is the spinal cords main function?
To relay messages between the brain and the rest of the body
What does the spinal cord allow the brain to do?
Regulate vital bodily processes such as digestion and breather and to coordinate voluntary movements
What does the spinal cord contain?
Circuits of nerve cells which allows us to perform some simple reflexes without direct involvement of the brain
What does damage to the spinal cord mean?
The area below will be cut off from the brain and will stop functioning
What are the 4 main regions of the brain?
- The cerebrum
- The cerebellum
- The diencephalon
- The brain stem
What is the cerebrum?
The largest section of the brain and is further divided into four main sections called lobes
How do each cerebral hemispheres communicate?
Through the corpus callosum
What is the cerebellum involved in?
Controlling a persons motor skills, balance and coordination to allow precise movements
What are the important brain structures in the diencephalon?
The thalamus and the hypothalamus
What does the thalamus do?
Act as a relay station for nerve impulses coming from the senses, routing them to the appropriate part of the brain where they can be processed
What does the hypothalamus do?
Regulates the body’s temperature, hunger and thirst. Also acts as a link between the endocrine system and the nervous system, controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
What is the brain stem responsible for?
Regulating the automatic functions that are essential for life including breathing, heartbeat and swallowing. Also regulates the CNS and maintains consciousness and regulating the sleep cycle
What does the PNS do?
Transmits messages via millions of nerve cells to and from the CNS
What are the two sub-divisions of the PNS?
- Somatic Nervous System
- Autonomic Nervous System
What are the two sub-divisions of the CNS?
- Brain
- Spinal Cord
What does the SNS do?
Controls muscle movement by sending messages to the body and receiving information from sensory receptors
How are messages sent to the CNS?
Through sensory and motor neurons
What does the ANS do?
Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. Controls vital functions in the body such as breathing heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress response
What are the two main divisions of the ANS?
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Parasympathetic Nervous System
What is the sympathetic nervous system involved in?
The responses which help our bodies respond to an emergency such as the stres response
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
Restores the body to its natural rest once the threat has passed
