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Aqa A-level Psychology > Biopsychology > Flashcards

Biopsychology Flashcards

1
Q

Outline the function of the nervous system

A

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

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2
Q

What is the role of the sensory neuron

A

to collect information from the sensory organs and carry this message to relay neurons in the brain

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3
Q

What is the role of the relay neuron

A

analyses the sensations and decide how to respond. They then send the message to the motor neurons

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4
Q

What is the role of the motor neurons

A

connects with skeletal muscles to allow for a physical response

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5
Q

What are the two components of the central nervous system

A

The central nervous system comprises of the brain and the spinal cord.

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6
Q

Explain the role of the brain in the central nervous system

A

Plays a role in psychological processes (e.g. visual and auditory perception) and higher mental functions (e.g. decision making and language)

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7
Q

Explain the role of the spinal cord

A

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

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8
Q

What are the two components of the peripheral nervous system

A

The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system

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9
Q

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system

A

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

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10
Q

What is the role of the somatic nervous system

A

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

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11
Q

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system

A

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

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12
Q

What is the sympathetic nervous system

A

it responds to perceived threats by producing physiological changes that prepare your body for flight or fight response

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13
Q

What is the parasympathetic nervous system

A

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

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14
Q

What is the parietal lobe for

A

processes touch sensations

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15
Q

What is the occipital lobe for

A

processes visual information

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16
Q

What is cerebellum for

A

co-ordination and balance

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17
Q

What is brain stem for

A

regulates breathing and heart rate

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18
Q

What is the temporal lobe for

A

processes auditory information

19
Q

What is the frontal lobe for

A

decision making and problem solving

20
Q

What are neurons

A

they are cells of the nervous system which process, transmit messages around the body through electrical and chemical impulses

21
Q

What are electrical impulses

A

refer to how signals are sent with a neuron i.e an action potential is transmitted along a neuron’s axon

22
Q

What are chemical impulses

A

refers to how signals are sent between neurons i.e neurotransmitters are released from one neuron that then communicates with another

23
Q

How do neurons communicate

A

by forming neural pathways

24
Q

What are the 7 key components of a neuron

A

Dendrites, myelin sheath, nodes of ranvier, cell body, nucleus, axon and axon terminal

25
Q

What is the role of dendrites

A

receives signals from other neurons

26
Q

What is the role of cell body

A

contains the nucleus

27
Q

What is the role of the nucleus

A

contains the genetic information of the cell

28
Q

What is the role of the axon

A

carries action potentials towards the end of the neuron

29
Q

What is the role of the axon terminal

A

triggers the release of neurotransmitters and these chemicals communicate with other neurons by binding to receptors

30
Q

What is the role of the nodes of ranvier

A

speed up the transmission of an action potential by allowing it to jump between the gaps

31
Q

What is the role of the myelin sheath

A

helps protect the axon and speeds up action potentials

32
Q

Outline the location and function of sensory neurons

A

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

33
Q

Outline the location and function of the relay neuron

A

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

34
Q

Outline the location and function of the motor neuron

A

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

35
Q

What is synaptic transmission

A

refers to the process in which neurons communicate with one another via transmitters

36
Q

What is the process of synaptic transmission

A

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.

37
Q

What is the process of synaptic transmission

A

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.

38
Q

Outline the function of the endocrine system

A

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

39
Q

Identify the pituitary gland the location, the hormone it secretes and the function.

A

Location: the brain
A hormone is secretes: growth hormone
Function: acts on many parts of the body to promote growth and muscle mass

40
Q

Identify the location of the pineal gland, a hormone it secretes and the function of the hormone

A

Location: the brain
Hormone: Melationin
Function: regulates the sleep wake cycle by causing feelings of tiredness

41
Q

Identify the location of the adrenal gland, the hormone and its function

A

Location: above the kidneys
Hormone: Adrenaline
Function: produces physiological changes seen in the fight or flight response

42
Q

Identify the location of the ovaries, the hormone and the function of the hormone

A

Location: female reproductive system
Hormone: Oestrogen
Function: develops female physical and psychological characteristics

43
Q

Identify the location of the testis, the hormone and its function

A

Location: male reproductive system
Hormone: testosterone
Function: develops male physical and psychological characteristics

Aqa A-level Psychology (3 decks)

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