Biopsychology A Level

Question 1

What kind of the signals is the nervous system based upon?

Answer 1

Chemical and electrical signals

Question 2

What are the functions of the nervous system?

Answer 2

1. Collect, process and respond to info in environment

2. Co-ordinate the working of different organs/cells

Question 3

What are the divisions of the nervous system?

Answer 3

PNS and CNS
CNS divides into brain and spinal cord
PNS divided into Autonomic and Somatic
Autonomic divided into Sympathetic and Parasympathetic

Question 4

What is the function of the brain?

Answer 4

Centre of all conscious awareness, divided into 2 hemispheres

Question 5

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Answer 5

Extension of the brain, connects nerves to the PNS and responsible for reflex actions

Question 6

What is the function of the PNS?

Answer 6

Transmits messages via neurones to and from the CNS

Question 7

What is the function of the ANS?

Answer 7

Vital functions e.g breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress

Question 8

What is the function of the SNS?

Answer 8

Muscle movement, receives info from sensory receptors

Question 9

What is the endocrine system based upon?

Answer 9

Hormones

Question 10

What is the main gland?

Answer 10

Pituitary gland which controls the release of hormones from other glands

Question 11

Describe the fight or flight response

Answer 11

1. Stressor is perceived
2. Hypothalamus activates pituitary gland which triggers activity in sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system
3. Autonomic nervous system changes from parasympathetic to physiologically aroused sympathetic state, which is triggered by adrenaline
4. These changes may be:
   - increased heart rate
   - pupils dilate
   - digestion inhibited
   - rectum contracts
   - saliva production inhibited
5. Once threat has passed the parasympathetic nervous system returns to resting state:
   - pupils constrict
   - digestion stimulated
   - saliva production stimulated

Question 12

What is a gland?

Answer 12

Organ in the body which synthesises substances such as hormones

Question 13

Describe the process of the reflex arc

Answer 13

Stimulus is detected by sense organs in the peripheral nervous system, which convey a message along a sensory neurone. Message reaches central nervous system where it connects with a relay neurone and then transfers a message to a motor neurone. This carries the message to an effector such as a muscle causing it to contract and therefore move.