Biopsychology Flashcards
What are the main structures of the central nervous system
-The Brain
-The Spinal cord
What is the spinal cord responsible for in the CNS
-The spinal cord transfers messages to and from the brain and the rest of the body
-It is also responsible for simple reflex actions e.g withdrawing hand from a hot surface
What is the brain’s role in the CNS
-The brain provides conscious awareness and is involved in all psychological processes
What does the brain stem do
-The brain stem connects the brain and spinal cord
-controls involuntary processes e.g breathing
What does the Peripheral nervous system consist of
-The Somatic nervous system
-Autonomic nervous system
What is the function of the Peripheral nervous system
-To relay nerve impulses from the CNS to the rest of the body and from the body back to the CNS
What is the Somatic nervous system responsible for
-Voluntary functions (conscious of)
E.G touch, sight, hearing, taste
What is the Autonomic nervous system responsible for
-Involuntary functions (unconscious)
E.G breathing, digestion, blood pressure
What is the autonomic nervous system divided into
-Sympathetic nervous system
-Parasympathetic nervous system
What is the sympathetic nervous system involved in
-Involved in responses that prepare the body for FIGHT OR FLIGHT.
E.G-
Increases heart rate, blood pressure, liver releases glucose, bronchioles dilate, pupils dilate, adrenal glands secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine, digestive activity is inhibited, bladder is relaxed
What is the parasympathetic nervous system involved in
-Returns the body to it’s ‘normal’ resting state. REST AND DIGEST.
E.G-
Heart rate decreases, liver produces bile, bronchioles are restricted, pupils constrict, adrenal glands stop production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, digestion is stimulated, bladder contracts
what are the 3 types of neurons
-Sensory
-Relay
-Motor
What is a neuron
-Specialised cells designed to transmit information
Function of a sensory neuron
-Carry nerve impulses from sensory receptors to the spinal cord and brain (CNS)
Where are sensory receptors found
-Found in various parts of the body:
E.G eyes, ears, tongue and skin
Function of a relay neuron
-Allow sensory and motor neurons to communicate with each other
Function of a motor neuron
-Form synapses with muscles and control their contractions.
-When stimulated, the motor neuron releases neurotransmitters that bind to receptors on the muscle and triggers a response, leading to muscle movement.
Where are motor neurons located
-Located in the PNS
What is the process of synaptic transmission
-An action potential (electrical impulse) travels along the axon of the pre-synaptic neuron towards the axon terminal.
-This action potential triggers the nerve ending of the pre synaptic neuron to release neurotransmitters from vesicles into the synapse
-The neurotransmitters then diffuse across the synapse
-The neurotransmitters bind with specific receptors on the membrane of the post synaptic neuron
-If enough excitatory neurotransmitters are received by the post synaptic neuron, this binding triggers a new action potential in the post-synaptic neuron
-The neurotransmitters are either reabsorbed by the pre synaptic neuron through a process called reuptake, or they are broken down by enzymes within the synapse
What is the role of an excitatory transmitter
-Increase likelihood that an excitatory signal is sent to the post synaptic cell, which is then more likely to fire
What is the role of an inhibitory neurotransmitter
-Decreases likelihood of neuron firing
-Responsible for calming the mind and body, inducing sleep and filtering out unnecessary excitatory signals
Example of an excitatory transmitter
-Acetylcholine
-Noradrenaline
Example of an inhibitory transmitter
-Serotonin
-GABA
What is the endocrine system
A network of glands that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream, to regulate various bodily functions
