Biopsychology Flashcards
What is the fight of flight response?
The body’s response to acute stress
Sometimes described as the SAM response
When the body perceives a stressor the HYPOTHALAMUS activates the sympathetic branch of the AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
This prompts the ADRENAL MEDULLA to produce adrenaline and noradrenaline
Role of adrenaline
To prepare body for fight or flight by…
increasing heart rate
makes breathing quick and shallow (for more oxygen)
stops digestion
cause pupils to dilate
Sensory neuron
Carry nerve impulses from sensory receptors to the brain and the spinal cord (CNS)
Motor neuron
Form synapses with muscles and control their contractions
Relay neuron
Allow the sensory and motor neurons to communicate with each other
Name the two divisions of the nervous system
Central nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
What does the central nervous system consist of?
Brain and Spinal cord
What does the peripheral nervous system consist of?
Autonomic nervous system and Somatic nervous system
What does the Autonomic division consist of?
Sympathetic nervous system and Parasympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic
Arouses the body
Parasympathetic
Calms the body after arousal
Adrenaline
Equips you to respond to stress
eg. increases heart rate
Noradrenaline
Makes your blood pressure increase
What is the endocrine system?
A network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete hormones into the bloodstream
What do the glands in the endocrine system do?
Each gland produces different hormones which regulate the activity of specific organs and tissues in the body
