Biopsychology Flashcards
What is the human nervous system
A complex network of receptors, effectors and nerve cells that carry messages to and from the brain and the spinal chord to different parts of the body to allow us to detect and respond to stimuli
What is the nervous system useful for
Allows for rapid responses and allows us to coordinate and respond to changes in our environment
What are the two main parts of the nervous system
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
What is the division of the central nervous system
Nervous system -> central nervous system -> spinal chord / brain
What is the division of the peripheral nervous system
Nervous system -> peripheral nervous system -> somatic nervous system / autonomic nervous system -> sympathetic nervous system / parasympathetic nervous system
What is the autonomic nervous system
Governs the brains involuntary activities and is self regulating. It is divided into the sympathetic branch (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and controls homeostasis
What is the role of the brain in relation to the nervous system
The party of the central nervous system that is responsible for coordinating sensation, intellectual and nervous activity
What is the role of the central nervous system
Comprised of the brain and spinal chord. It receives information from the senses and controls the bodies responses
What is the peripheral nervous system
The part of the nervous system that is outside the brain and the spinal chord
What is the somatic nervous system
The party of the brain that is responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system
What is the spinal cord
A bundle of fibres enclosed within the spinal column and which connects nearly all parts of the body with the brain
What is the name of the junction between two neurones
Synapse
What is the name of the tiny gap between the cells
The synaptic cleft
What is the name of the swelling pre synaptic neuron
Synaptic knob
What is contained inside the synaptic knob
Vesicles
