Biopsychology Flashcards
Role of Hypothalamus
Connected to the pituitary gland and is responsible for stimulating or controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
The hypothalamus is the control system which controls, regulates and drives the endocrine system.
Role of Pituitary Gland
Anterior lobe:
Stimulates the adrenal cortex and the release of cortisol during the stress response
Posterior lobe:
Responsible for uterus. Contractions during childbirth
Role of Pineal Gland
Responsible for important biological rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle
Role of Thyroid Gland
Responsible for regulating metabolism. People who have a fast metabolism typically struggle to put on weight, as metabolism is involved in the chemical process of converting food into energy.
Role of Adrenal Gland
Releases adrenaline, noradrenaline (fight or flight response) and cortisol (stimulates the release of glucose to provide the body with energy while suppressing the immune system)
Role of Ovaries
Releases oestrogen, controls the regulation of the female reproductive system
Role of Testes
Releases testosterone, responsible for the development of male sex characteristics
Hypothalamus definition
A structure deep within your brain. It’s the main link between your endocrine system and your nervous system. Your hypothalamus keeps your body. Balanced in a stable state called homeostasis.
Pituitary Gland definition
The pituitary gland is often called the master gland because it controls several other hormone glands in your body.
Sympathetic Nervous System definition
A network of nerves that helps your body activate its ‘fight or flight’ response. This systems activity increases
Parasympathetic Nervous system definition
Predominates in quiet “rest and digest” conditions while the sympathetic nervous system drives the “fight or flight” response in stressful situations. The main purpose of the PNS is to conserve energy to be used later and to regulate bodily functions like digestion and urination.
Adrenal Medulla definition
The adrenal medulla is the central part of the adrenal gland, surrounded by the cortex. The medulla plays a very important role in homeostasis: it serves to secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Adrenaline definition
Adrenaline and noradrenline are two separate but related hormones and neurotransmitters. They are produced in the centre (medulla) of the adrenal glands and in some neurons of the central nervous system.
Effects of adrenaline during fight or flight response:
-increased heart rate, blood flow and blood pressure
-increased breathing rate
-muscle tension
-pupils dilate.
-sweating
-diversion of blood away from skin and digestive system
-relaxation of bladder
Excitatory neurotransmitters
lead to DEPOLARISATION - shift from a negative to a more positive membrane potential.
Inhibitory neurotransmitters
lead to HYPERPOLARISATION – a change in a cell’s membrane potential that makes it more negative
Dendrites
branch like extensions from the cell body that receive information from other neurons.
Dendrites are typically connected to the cell body (soma), which is often referred to as the ‘control centre’ of the neuron, as it’s contains the nucleus / genetic material.
Frontal lobe definition
the emotional control centre of the brain responsible for forming our personality and influencing out decision. The frontal lobe is located at the front of the central sulcus where it receives information signals from other lobes of the brain.
Parietal lobe definition
processes sensory information for cognitive purposes and helps coordinate spatial relations so we can make sense of the world around us. The parietal lobe resides in the middle section of the brain behind the central sulcus, above the occipital lobe.
Occipital lobe definition
located at the back portion of the brain behind the parietal and temporal lobes. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information.
Temporal lobe definition
located at the back portion of the brain behind the parietal lobe and is responsible for auditory processing, language comprehension and memory/ information retrieval.
Somatic nervous system definition
facilitates communication between the CNS and the outside world or senses. It is under conscious control and controls skeletal muscles, these are muscles that you control in terms of how and when they move.
Autonomic nervous system definition
regulates involuntary physiological processes without conscious control. This nervous system influences the activity of most tissues and organ systems in the body as it controls smooth muscles, internal organs and glands.
