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P PERSONAL > BIOPSYCHOLOGY AS COMPLETE STACK > Flashcards

BIOPSYCHOLOGY AS COMPLETE STACK Flashcards

1
Q

What is the nervous system and which two systems does it split into?

A

Nervous system = Primary communication system between a network of cells.
SPLITS INTO -> Central and Peripheral nervous system.

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2
Q

What are the functions of the nervous system?

A

-Collects, processes and responds to information in the environment / stimuli.
-Co-ordinates the working of different organs/cells.

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3
Q

What is the central nervous system made up of?

A

Brain
Spinal cord

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4
Q

What is the peripheral nervous system split into?

A

Somatic
Autonomic

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5
Q

Compare the somatic and autonomic nervous system?

A

SNS -> Transmitts information from the receptor cells to the CNS. Triggers muscle movements. Carries sensory / motor info to and from CNS

ANS -> Vital functions e.g. breathing rate. Transmits info to and from internal body organs. Involuntary.

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6
Q

What does the autonomic system split into?

A

Sympathetic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System.

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7
Q

Describe the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, including examples.

A

SYMPATHETIC
= Controls ‘fight or flight’ in times of stress.
= Examples: Heart and breathing rate increases, digestion and salivation decreases.

PARASYMPATHETIC
= Controls calming down ‘rest and digest’ after stress.
= Examples: Heart and breathing rate decreases, digestion and salivation returns to normal.

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8
Q

What is the function of neurons?

A

Neurons transmit signals electrically and chemically.

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9
Q

What are the 6 structures found within neurons?

A
  1. Cell body
  2. Dendrites
  3. Axon
  4. Myelin sheath
  5. Nodes of ranvier
  6. Terminal buttons / axon.
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10
Q

Describe the function of the cell body?

A

Cell body - Includes a nucleus which contains Genetic Information. This includes chromosomes holding DNA.

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11
Q

Describe the functions of dendrites?

A

These are branch-like structures that come out of the nerve cell to connect with other neurons. They carry nerve impulses from other neurons towards the cell body.

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12
Q

Describe the function of axons?

A

Carries nerve impulses away from the cell body. The length of axons varies from a few millimetres to over as metre in the spinal cord.

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13
Q

Describe the functions of the Myelin Sheath?

A

Made up of Schwann Cells. Insulates and protects the axon from external influences that may affect the transmission of nerve impulses down the axon. Helps speed up the electrical transmission along the axon.

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14
Q

Describe the functions of then Nodes of Ranvier?

A

Gaps in the Myelin Sheath that force the impulse to ‘jump’ across the gaps along the axon. Helps increase the speed of the electrical impulse.

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15
Q

Describe the functions of terminal buttons / axons?

A

Positioned at end of Axon.
Sends impulses to the next neuron across the synapse (synaptic transmission). Contains neurotransmitter sacs. Also where vesicles are present.

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16
Q

What are the 3 types of neurons?

A
  1. Sensory
  2. Relay
  3. Motor
17
Q

Describe the structure and function of sensory neurons?

A

STRUCTURE - They have long dendrites and short axons.
FUNCTION - Carries messages from the PNS to the CNS.

18
Q

Describe the structure and function of relay neurons?

A

STRUCTURE - They have short dendrites and short axons.
FUNCTION - Connect the sensory neurons to the motor or other relay neurons.

19
Q

Describe the structure and function of motor neurons?

A

STRUCTURE - They have short dendrites and long axons.
FUNCTION - Relay information from the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands.

20
Q

What is meant by synaptic transmissions?

A

The process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the gap (the synapse) that separates them.

21
Q

Describe the processes of synaptic transmissions?

A
  1. Vesicles release their neurotransmitters across the synapse.
  2. This chemical then locks into the special receptor sites of the adjacent neuron (the chemical message is converted back into an electrical impulse.)
  3. Enzymes are released to breakdown the excess neurotransmitter
  4. Or, excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the synaptic terminals from which it was released.
  5. Vesicles are replenished with new & reused neurotransmitters ready for the next impulse.
22
Q

Describe in detail the differences between excitation and inhibition?

A

Excitation -> Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire (the message then continues).
Inhibition -> Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire (the message stops).

23
Q

Provide examples of Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmitters.

A

Excitatory Neurotransmitters -> Noradrenaline.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters -> Serotonin.

24
Q

What is the endocrine system?

A

The endocrine system regulates cell/organ activity within the body & controls vital physiological processes in the body via secreting hormones (chemical messengers).

25
Q

Compare the endocrine and nervous system?

A

Endocrine system uses hormones, nervous system uses nerves.
Endocrine system takes much longer to act compared to the fast nervous system response.
Endocrine system has much longer lasting effects compared to nervous system.

26
Q

What are glands and provide 3 key examples?

A

Glands - an organ in the body that produces substances such as hormones.
1. Thyroid Gland
2. Adrenal Gland
3. Pituitary Gland
ALSO the Testes.

27
Q

What are the functions of the:
Thyroid glands
Adrenal glands
Pituitary glands
Testes.

A
  1. Thyroid Gland - produces Thyroxine hormone. This increases heart rate, which lead to increased metabolic rate. This affects growth rate.
  2. Adrenal Gland - Triggers the release of adrenaline. ‘Flight or fight’ response e.g. increased breathing and heart rate.
  3. Pituitary Gland - master gland. Controls the release of hormones from the other glands 4. The Testes - Male reproductive system that produces testosterone.
28
Q

What is the role of adrenaline?

A

Adrenaline is in charge of the ‘Fight or Flight’ response and is an immediate stress response. It has strong effects on the cells of he cardiovascular system.

29
Q

Which two pathways does adrenaline contribute to?

A

It contributes to the SAM Pathways and HPA Axis.

30
Q

Describe a difference between the SAM pathway and HPA axis.

A

The HPA Axis provides a slow response, whilst the SAM Pathway provides a fast response.
The HPA Axis responds to prolonged stress whilst the SAM Pathway responds to sudden immediate stress.

31
Q

Describe fully in detail the Sympathomedullary Pathway and how it reacts to sudden stress?

A

SAM Pathway - Sudden Stress.
1. Autonomic Nervous System changes from normal resting rate (parasympathetic) to physically aroused state (sympathetic).
2. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is triggered and begins process / prep for fight or flight. SNS sends signals to the Adrenal Medulla that releases adrenaline into the bloodstream.
3. Adrenaline causes many psychological and physical changes. E.G. Increases heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure whilst decreasing digestion and salivation.
4. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) is used AFTER the stress has gone. It dampens and calms down the stress response and brings any changes back to normal.

32
Q

Describe fully in detail the Hypothalamus-Pituitary - Adrenal System and how it reacts to stress?

A

HPA Axis - Prolonged Stress.
1. The Hypothalamus within the brain activates the HPA Axis.
2. Hypothalamus releases the Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH).
3. CRH triggers the pituitary gland to release Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
4. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.
5. Cortisol gives a quick burst of energy and lowers sensitivity to pain.
6. This triggers ‘fight or flight.’

P PERSONAL (6 decks)

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