Biopsychology - Divisions Of Nervous System

Question 1

Introduction to nervous system

Answer 1

NS is divided into two main parts:
1. Central nervous system (CNS)
2. Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 2

Central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 2

Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Located in the centre of the body
The brain:
Provides conscious awareness
Involved in all psychological processes
The spinal cord:
Transfers messages between brain and body
Controls simple reflex actions

Question 3

The brain’s major regions

Answer 3

Occipital lobe: processes visual information
Temporal lobes: process auditory information
Parietal lobe: integrates sensory information
Frontal lobe: higher-order functions (planning, reasoning)
Brain stem: connects brain to spinal cord, controls involuntary processes

Question 4

Peripheral nervous system (PMS)

Answer 4

Relays messages between CNS and the rest of the body
Divided into 2 main components:
1. Somatic NS
2. Autonomic NS

Question 5

Somatic NS

Answer 5

Maintains communication between CNS and outside world
Consists of:
Sensory receptors x carry information to spinal cord and brain
Motor pathways - allow brain to control movement
Role - carry sensory information and provide muscle responses

Question 6

Autonomic NS

Answer 6

Plays a crucial role in homeostasis
Maintains internal processes (body temp, heart rate, blood pressure)
Consists of motor pathways only
Divided into two parts:
1. Sympathetic NS
2. Parasympathetic NS

Question 7

Sympathetic NS

Answer 7

Prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses
Activates during dangerous or stressful situations
Effects include:
Increase heart rate and blood pressure
Faster breathing
Slowed digestion and other non-essential functions

Question 8

Parasympathetic NS

Answer 8

Often called “rest and digest” system
Relaxes the body and returns it to normal resting state
Effects include:
Slowed heart rate and breathing
Reduced blood pressure
Resumed digestion and other maintenance functions

Question 9

Homeostasis and the nervous system

Answer 9

Homeostasis: maintaining stable internal conditions
Autonomic nervous system plays a key role
Balances sympathetic and parasympathetic responses
Regulates body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate

Question 10

Spinal cord and reflexes

Answer 10

Spinal cord: part of CNS, extends from brain
Controls simple reflex actions
Reflexes: rapid, automatic responses to stimuli
E.g. knee-jerk reflex

Question 11

Nervous system disorders

Answer 11

Many disorders can affect the nervous system
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy

Question 12

Protecting your nervous system

Answer 12

Maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients
Exercise regularly to improve blood flow
Get enough sleep to allow for proper neural function
Manage stress through relaxation techniques
Avoid harmful substances like drugs and excessive alcohol

Question 13

NS conclusion

Answer 13

The NS is complex and crucial for survival
It controls everything from conscious thought to unconscious processes
Balances internal states and responds to external stimuli
Continues to be an area of fascinating scientific research