Biopsychology Flashcards
What two parts are the nervous system of humans divided into
central nervous system (CNS)
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What two parts do the CNS split into
- spinal chord
- brain
What two parts do the PNS split into
- somatic nervous system
- autonomic nervous system
What is the function of the somatic nervous system
to transmit information to and from senses and to and from the CNS
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system
to transmit information to and from internal organs to sustain life processes
What two parts can the autonomic nervous system be broken down into
- sympathetic nervous system
- parasympathetic nervous system
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system
generally increases bodily activities
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system
generally maintains or decreases bodily activities
What are the three types of neurons
- sensory
- relay
- motor
What is the role of sensory neurons
tell the brain about external and internal environment by taken information from one of the five senses
What is the role of relay neurons
carry messages from one part of the CNS to another
- they connect motor and sensory neurons
What is the role of motor neurons
carry signals from the CNS which helps organs, glands and muscles to function
What is synaptic transmission
process of transmitting messages from neuron to neuron through synapse
What are excitatory potentials
increase the chance of a neuron firing
What are inhibitory potentials
decrease the chance of a neuron firing
