Biopsychology Flashcards
Describe the central nervous system:
It consists of the brain and spinal cord. They are surrounded by bone and covered with protective membranes.
Describe the brain:
The brain is the most protected part of the body. The three main regions are the hindbrain the midbrain and the forebrain.
Describe the hindbrain:
This is at the rear of the brain and it consists of medulla, pons and cerebellum.
What is the medulla?
It is behind the spinal-cord and is involved in functions such as breathing, vomiting, Salivation and regulation of the cardiovascular system.
What are pons?
They are situated in front of the medulla and is involved in controlling levels of arousal.
What is the cerebellum?
It is responsible for balance and movement.
Describe the midbrain:
It contains the tectum and the tegmentum.
Describe the forebrain:
It is the largest and most important division of the human brain. The outer layer is known as the cerebral cortex and underneath this are two series of interconnected structures. (Lymbic structure and Basal ganglia)
Lymbic structure:
Regulates behaviours such as eating, aggression, avoidance, anger, anxiety.
Basal ganglia:
Production of voluntary motor responses. Contains tholamus and hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus:
Involved in the control of several functions like body temp, hunger and thirst.
Plays a central role in the control of the endocrine (hormone) system.
What are the divisions of the nervous system?
The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
What are the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
What is the function of the peripheral nervous system ?
It contains all the other nerve cells in the body and the primary function is to send information to the CNS to muscles and glands, from the outside world.
Describe the somatic nervous system:
CONCERNED WITH INTERACTIONS IN THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT. Consists of nerves carrying signals.
