Biopsychology Flashcards
what are the 2 main componments of the CNS
CNS + PNS (central nervous system and peripheral nervous system)
2 part of CNS
brain and spinal chord
componments making up peripheral nervous system
autonomic nervous system, somatic nervus system, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system
what does autonomic nerovus system mean
self governing
what is the outer layer of the brain
the cerebral cortex
what is an extension of the brain
spinal chord
what does the somatic nervous system
transmits infomation recieved by the senses through receptors to the CNS and transmits messages from the CNS to the muscles to instruct them to act
3 types of neurons
sensory, relay, motor
sensory neuron =
these neurons tell the rest of the brain about external and internal environment by processing information taken from one of the 5 senses. carry messages from PNS to CNS.
motor neuron=
carry signals from the CNS which helps organs including glands and muscles function
relay neuron
carry messaged from one part of the CNS to another, connect motor and sensory neurons
neuron disease =
motor neuron disease
what is electric transmission
when a neuron is activated by a stimulus the inside of the cell becomes positively charged for a split second causing action potential to occur, creates electrical impulse which travels down the axon
when is a neuron in resting state
the inside of a cell is negatively charged
what causes action potential to occur
electric transmission
what is a neuro transmitter
neurotransmitters are chemicals that diffuse across the synapse to the next neuron in the chain. they can affect mood and behaviour
examples of neurotransmitters
seratonin, dopamine, melatonin, adrenaline
what is excitation
excitation refers to when a neurotransmitter increases the positive charge of the post synaptic neuron
what is inhibition
refers to when a neurotransmitter increases the negative charge of the post synaptic neuron
what is the pituitary gland
the master gland, control of other glands