Biopsychology - Paper 2 Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
A network of cells in the body; the body’s primary communication system
What are the nervous system’s two functions?
1) To collect, process and respond to info from the environment
2) To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
What is the nervous system split into?
CNS and PNS
What is the function of the CNS?
It passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
What is the CNS?
The body’s processing centre
What two components is the CNS split into?
1) the brain: centre of all conscious awareness and involved in all psychological processes
2) spinal cord: an extension of the brain, responsible for reflex actions
What two parts is the PNS split into?
1) Somatic nervous system (SNS)
2) Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Describe the somatic nervous system
Consists of nerves that carry receptors from the body to the CNS and carry motor signals to skeletal muscles
SNS is associated with voluntary conscious muscle movement e.g. pressing something
Made up of sensory receptors and motor pathways
Describe the autonomic nervous system
Carries signals from internal organs e.g. heart to and from the CNS
Associated with vital functions of the body
Associated with involuntary ‘unconscious’ muscle movement e.g. breathing
Used in homeostasis
Only consists of motor pathways
Describe two differences between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system
somatic nervous system is associated with voluntary ‘conscious’ muscle movement whereas autonomic nervous system is associated with involuntary ‘unconscious’ muscle movement
somatic nervous system is made up of sensory receptors and motor pathways whereas the autonomic nervous system only consists of motor pathways
What is the autonomic nervous system split into?
sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Activates internal organs for vigorous activities (fight or flight) e.g. increased heart rate
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Controls the relaxed state (rest and digest) conserving resources and promoting digestion and metabolism
Opposite to sympathetic and can’t both work at the same time
What are 6 roles of the sympathetic state?
Increases heart rate
Increases breathing rate
Dilates pupils
Inhibits digestion
Inhibits saliva production
Contracts rectum
What are 6 roles of the parasympathetic state?
Decreases heart rate
Decreases breathing rate
Constricts pupils
Stimulates digestion
Stimulates saliva production
Relaxes rectum
