Biopsychology

Question 1

Functions of the central Nervous System (CNS)

Answer 1

Function 1: to control behaviour.
Function 2: to regulate the body’s physiological processes.

Question 2

What does the central Nervous System (CNS) consist of

Answer 2

Two parts: brain & spinal cord

Question 3

What are the parts of the brain
Made up of 4 main parts:

Answer 3

1) The Cerebrum
2) The Cerebellum
3 The Diencephalon
4 The Brain stem

Question 4

What is the cerebrum

Answer 4

This is divided into four parts called lobes. Each lobe has a different function for example speech and processing visual images.

Question 5

What is the cerebellum
.

Answer 5

Controls motor skills and balance

Question 6

What is the diencephalon

Answer 6

Acts as a relay station for nervous impulses directing them to the appropriate part of the brain.

Question 7

What is the brain stem

Answer 7

Regulates autonomic functions e.g. heartbeat and breathing.

Question 8

What is the Function of the spinal cord

Answer 8

• Relays information between the brain and the rest of the body.
• Allows the brain to monitor processes such as breathing.
• Contains some nerve cell circuits for reflexes such as blinking.

Question 9

How is the spinal cord connected to the body

Answer 9

Connected to the body by spinal nerves

Question 10

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 10

• All nerves outside of the CNS (brain and spinal) make up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Question 11

What parts make up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 11

Two divisions: Somatic Nervous System & Autonomic Nervous System

Question 12

The Somatic Nervous System

Answer 12

The part of the peripheral nervous system associated with skeletal muscle voluntary control of body movements.

Question 13

The Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 13

The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions such as the heart rate, digestion and uration

Question 14

What are the parts of the autonomic nervous system

Answer 14

• Sympathetic Nervous System
  -Para-sympathetic Nervous System

Question 15

Sympathetic Nervous System (part of ANS)

Answer 15

Generally increases ↑ bodily activities

Question 16

Para-sympathetic Nervous System (part of ANS)

Answer 16

Generally maintains or decreases ↓ bodily activities

Question 17

Neurons

Answer 17

Essential part of a massive communication system within the body

Question 18

Sensory Neuron

Answer 18

Tells the rest of the brain about the external and internal environment by processing information taken from one of the five senses

Question 19

Relay Neuron

Answer 19

Carries messages from one part of the CNS to another. They connect motor and sensory neurons

Question 20

Motor Neuron

Answer 20

Carries signals from the CNS which helps both organs, including glands and muscles, function

Question 21

Synapse

Answer 21

A ‘gap’ between neurons through which the electrical impulse from the neuron to neuron

Question 22

What is Synaptic Transmission

Answer 22

Process for transmitting messages from neuron to neuron

Question 23

Steps for synaptic transmission

Answer 23

1) chemical impulse travels down neuron

2) neurotransmitters are released at the presynaptic terminal

3) the adjacent neuron takes up the neurotransmitter from the fluid and converts it into an electrical impulse

4) travels down the neuron to the next presynaptic terminal

5) Certain neurotransmitters allow a flood of ions that can cause a ‘potential’ in the dendrites. They can be excitatory or inhibitory

Question 24

Excitatory Potentials

Answer 24

Increase the chance of a neuron firing

Question 25

Inhibitory Potentials

Answer 25

Decrease the chance of a neuron firing

Question 26

Endocrine System

Answer 26

Has a series of glands which release chemicals called hormones throughout the body via the blood and other bodily fluids
- there are specialist glands in the body which form a part of this system

Question 27

Pituitary

Answer 27

Function: → releases hormones important for regulating the endocrine system

Question 28

Adrenal

Answer 28

Function: important part of fight or flight system as it regulates the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline

Question 29

Testes

Answer 29

Function: facilitate the release of testosterone which we believe influences aggressive behavior in males

Question 30

Ovaries
Function:

Answer 30

facilitate the release of oestrogen and progesterone important in childbirth and pregnancy

Question 31

Flight or Fight Response

Answer 31

The fight-or-flight helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.

Question 32

Fight or Flight 4 steps

Answer 32

1. Hypothalamus recognizes there’s a threat
2. Sends a message to Adrenal gland
3. Triggers the release of Adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain
4. Prompts physical changes…

Question 33

Physical changes:fight or flight

Answer 33

↑ heart rate = speed up blood flow to vital organs
faster breathing rate = increase oxygen intake;

Question 34

Eval: Weaknesses

Answer 34

✘ difficult to establish cause and effect.
E.g. we can say that there’s a relationship between increased oxytocin and relationship intensity but not that it causes it. Other factors may have an effect.

✘ many argue biological bases of behaviour are determinist.
They suggest that we have little control over our biological drives when in fact humans have “free will” and can overcome them

✘ the argument that biological factors underpin behaviour is reductionist.
Many argue that this is too simplistic and ignores environmental influences on behaviour.

Question 35

Eval: Strengths

Answer 35

✔ the physical nature of bodily systems means they can be studied scientifically.
This means that we can be certain of the biological facts

✔ this area can use scientific measures to investigate, results are reliable.
They can be checked for accuracy and this makes it more scientific.