biopsychology Flashcards
what does the endocrine system do?
provides a chemical system of communication via the bloodstream through the release of horomones/chemical messengers from glands into the bloodstream which then bind to receptors to regulate the activity of cells or organs in the body.
what does the endocrine glands include:
-pituitary glands
-thyroid
-adrenal glands
-pancreas
-gonads(testes and ovaries)
what are the two parts of the adrenal glands?
-adrenal medulla
-adrenal cortex
what is the adrenal medulla and what does it do?
its the inner part of the adrenal glands and it releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood stream resulting in: increased heart rate and blood flow to the muscles and the brain, an increase in blood pressure and the release of stored glucose for energy in the fight or flight response
what us the adrenal cortex and what does it do?
its the outer part of the adrenal glands and it releases the glucocorticoid hormones which regulates/supports a variety of functions including: cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions.
what are the two main parts of the pituitary glands?
-anterior
-posterior
what does the anterior pituitary glands do?
releases several hormones which target different parts of the body
for example:
-adrenocorticotrophic horomone is released as part of the stress response and stimulates the adrenal glands
-luteneising hormone is important in controlling reproductive functions and sexusl characteristics
what does the pituitary glands do?
releases other hormones including:
-oxytoxin- stimulates the contraction of the uterus in childbirth and promotes mother-infant bonding
-antidiurectic hormone- regulates the water balance in the body
define hormones
chemical substances released from endocrine glands into the bloodstream and carried to target sites throughout the body. hormones then act on the target sites either to alter their function or to release other hormones.
what are neuronal cells and what do they do
a specialised cell that receives and transmits an electrical signal which are called nerve impulses or action potentials
what are the 4 main components of a neuron
.dendrite
.cell body
.axon
.axon terminal
when do nerve impulses occur and what direction do they occur
when there is a big enough voltage change in the cell body. nerve impulses travel in one direction from the dendrite to the axon terminal
what is synaptic transmission
process by which one neuron transmits nerve impulses to another
what is summation and when does it occur
it is multiple small changes in voltage, triggered by neurotransmitter release, add up together. occurs when multiple impulses occur in one pre-synaptic neuron in close succession or when multiple impulses occur at multiple synapses at the same time
what are the 3 main types of neurons
sensory neuron
motor neuron
relay neuron
what is the sensory neuron
they pick up sensory information from sensory receptors and transmit information towards the brain
