Biopsychology - The Nervous System Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
The tendency to maintain a constant stable internal environment
What is the nervous system?
A network of specialised cells capable of transmitting information around the body which coordinates behaviour.
It receives information from in & outside the body & directs the way the body will respond
What are the 2 main parts of the nervous system?
The central nervous system (CNS)
The peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What is the central nervous system (CNS) and what is it’s function?
The part of the nervous system containing the brain & spinal cord which processes information
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) & what is it’s function?
The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system with the limbs & organs, serving as a relay between the spinal cord & rest of the body
What are the 4 main lobes of the brain?
Occipital
Temporal
Parietal
Frontal
What is the function of the Occipital lobe?
processes visual information
What is the function of the Temporal lobe?
processes auditory information
What is the function of the Parietal lobe?
integrates information from the senses & processes spatial navigation
What is the function of the Frontal lobe?
processes higher order functions e.g. planning/logic
What is the function of the cerebellum?
controls movement & balance
What is the function of the brain stem?
connects the brain & spinal cord which controls involuntary processes e.g. heartbeat, consciousness & breathing
What is the function of the spinal cord?
transfers messages from the brain to the body & is responsible for simple reflex actions that don’t involve the brain e.g. jumping out of a chair after sitting on a drawing pin
What is the Peripheral nervous system (PNS) split up into?
Somatic & Autonomic nervous system
What is the function of the Somatic nervous system?
carries most motor & sensory information
What is the somatic nervous system made up of?
made up of nerves that connect skin, sensory organs, skeletal muscles, sensory receptors & motor pathways
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
carries out all the involuntary physiological processes e.g. heartbeat
What important role does the autonomic nervous system play in the body?
homeostasis
what 2 motor pathways are the autonomic nervous system split up into?
sympathetic nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?
controls the ‘flight or fight’ response -> increases arousal e.g. dilates pupils, increases heart & breathing rate etc.
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
controls the ‘rest or digest’ system & restores normal bodily function -> constricts pupils, slows down heart & breathing rate etc.
