Biopsychology Flashcards
Outline the function of the nervous system
The nervous system refers to a specialised network of cells, known as neurons. These neurons collect, process and respond to information in the environment through the control of organs and muscles
What is the role of the sensory neuron
to collect information from the sensory organs and carry this message to relay neurons in the brain
What is the role of the relay neuron
analyses the sensations and decide how to respond. They then send the message to the motor neurons
What is the role of the motor neurons
connects with skeletal muscles to allow for a physical response
What are the two components of the central nervous system
The central nervous system comprises of the brain and the spinal cord.
Explain the role of the brain in the central nervous system
Plays a role in psychological processes (e.g. visual and auditory perception) and higher mental functions (e.g. decision making and language)
Explain the role of the spinal cord
Transmits info to and from the brain to allow it to monitor bodily processes like breathing and to control voluntary movements as well as reflex responses
What are the two components of the peripheral nervous system
The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system
involved in unconscious involuntary life-maintaining processes such as heart rate through the control of internal organs. It comprises of only motor pathways. The autonomic system carries commands from the brain stem
What is the role of the somatic nervous system
connects the central nervous system with the senses and is involved in conscious voluntary movements through the control of skeletal muscles. It comprises if sensory and motor pathways. The somatic system carries commands from the motor cortex in the brain
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
What is the sympathetic nervous system
it responds to perceived threats by producing physiological changes that prepare your body for flight or fight response
What is the parasympathetic nervous system
restores normal physiological functioning once a threat has passed to conserve energy. This is done by decreasing heart rate and the body going back to normal
What is the parietal lobe for
processes touch sensations
What is the occipital lobe for
processes visual information
What is cerebellum for
co-ordination and balance
What is brain stem for
regulates breathing and heart rate
What is the temporal lobe for
processes auditory information
What is the frontal lobe for
decision making and problem solving
What are neurons
they are cells of the nervous system which process, transmit messages around the body through electrical and chemical impulses
What are electrical impulses
refer to how signals are sent with a neuron i.e an action potential is transmitted along a neuron’s axon
What are chemical impulses
refers to how signals are sent between neurons i.e neurotransmitters are released from one neuron that then communicates with another
How do neurons communicate
by forming neural pathways
What are the 7 key components of a neuron
Dendrites, myelin sheath, nodes of ranvier, cell body, nucleus, axon and axon terminal
What is the role of dendrites
receives signals from other neurons
What is the role of cell body
contains the nucleus
What is the role of the nucleus
contains the genetic information of the cell
What is the role of the axon
carries action potentials towards the end of the neuron
What is the role of the axon terminal
triggers the release of neurotransmitters and these chemicals communicate with other neurons by binding to receptors
What is the role of the nodes of ranvier
speed up the transmission of an action potential by allowing it to jump between the gaps
What is the role of the myelin sheath
helps protect the axon and speeds up action potentials
Outline the location and function of sensory neurons
location = the somatic division of the PNS
function = converts stimuli detected by sensory organs into electrical impulses. This info is then transmitted towards the relay neurons in the CNS where its processed
Outline the location and function of the relay neuron
location = the CNS
function = the thinking, feeling and deciding neuron that transmits info within the CNS. Analyses sensations and decides how to respond. Sends this decision to motor neurons
Outline the location and function of the motor neuron
location = the somatic and autonomic divsions of the PNS
function = transmits messages about desired movement from relay neurons away from the CNS to skeletal muscles thus allowing for movement. Also connects with organs and gland for bodily processes
What is synaptic transmission
refers to the process in which neurons communicate with one another via transmitters
What is the process of synaptic transmission
An action potential reaches the axon terminal, causing neurotransmitter release into the synaptic gap. These bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to:
• Excitation: Excitatory neurotransmitters create excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), increasing positive charge and making firing more likely.
• Inhibition: Inhibitory neurotransmitters create inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), increasing negative charge and reducing firing likelihood.
The neuron fires if EPSPs outweigh IPSPs. Neurotransmitters are broken down or reabsorbed after use.
What is the process of synaptic transmission
An action potential reaches the axon terminal, causing neurotransmitter release into the synaptic gap. These bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to:
• Excitation: Excitatory neurotransmitters create excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), increasing positive charge and making firing more likely.
• Inhibition: Inhibitory neurotransmitters create inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), increasing negative charge and reducing firing likelihood.
The neuron fires if EPSPs outweigh IPSPs. Neurotransmitters are broken down or reabsorbed after use.
Outline the function of the endocrine system
It provides a chemical system of communication via the blood stream because it comprises of glands that secrete hormones into the blood. These hormones travel to target sites where they bind to specific receptors and they regulate many bodily functions
Identify the pituitary gland the location, the hormone it secretes and the function.
Location: the brain
A hormone is secretes: growth hormone
Function: acts on many parts of the body to promote growth and muscle mass
Identify the location of the pineal gland, a hormone it secretes and the function of the hormone
Location: the brain
Hormone: Melationin
Function: regulates the sleep wake cycle by causing feelings of tiredness
Identify the location of the adrenal gland, the hormone and its function
Location: above the kidneys
Hormone: Adrenaline
Function: produces physiological changes seen in the fight or flight response
Identify the location of the ovaries, the hormone and the function of the hormone
Location: female reproductive system
Hormone: Oestrogen
Function: develops female physical and psychological characteristics
Identify the location of the testis, the hormone and its function
Location: male reproductive system
Hormone: testosterone
Function: develops male physical and psychological characteristics
