Biopsychology- The nervous system

Question 1

Define the nervous system

Answer 1

A body-wide system of nerve cells that collects information from the world, processes this information and then takes action by directing body organs and muscles via the transmission of electrochemical messages

Question 2

What are the nervous system’s two main functions?

Answer 2

-To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
-To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 3

What subsections is the nervous system divided into?

Answer 3

-Central nervous system, CNS
-Peripheral nervous system, PNS

Question 4

Which structures are involved with the central nervous system?

Answer 4

-Brain
-Spinal cord

Question 5

What is the function of the brain?

Answer 5

Provides conscious awareness and is involved in all psychological processes

Question 6

What are the 4 main regions of the brain and what are their functions?

Answer 6

Optical lobe- processes visual information
Temporal lobe- processes auditory information
Parietal lobe -integrates information from the different senses and spatial navigation
Frontal lobe- higher-order functions, planning, abstract reasoning and logic

Question 7

What is the function of the brain stem?

Answer 7

Connects the brain and spinal cord and controls involuntary processes (eg. breathing)

Question 8

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Answer 8

-Transfers messages to and from the brain and the rest of the body
-Responsible for simple reflex actions

Question 9

What makes up the PNS?

Answer 9

All the nerves outside the CNS

Question 10

What is the function of the PNS?

Answer 10

To relay nerve impulses (chemical messages) from the CNS to the rest of the body and the body back to the CNS

Question 11

What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

Answer 11

Maintains communications between the central nervous system and the outside world

Question 12

What does the somatic nervous system consist of?

Answer 12

-Sensory receptors which carry information to the spinal cord and brain
-Motor pathways which allow the brain to control movement

Question 13

What does the somatic nervous system control?

Answer 13

-Conscious muscle movement
-Receives information from sensory receptors to control reflexes

Question 14

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 14

-Unconcious vital functions (homeostasis)

Question 15

What does the autonomic nervous system consist of?

Answer 15

Motor pathways

Question 16

What are the two components of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 16

-Sympathetic nervous system
-Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 17

What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 17

Involved in responses that prepare the body for fight/flight, it increases heart rate, blood pressure ect

Question 18

What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 18

Returns the body to its normal resting state once an emergency has passed

Question 19

Give some examples of body functions which are linked to the sympathetic state

Answer 19

-Increased heart rate
-Increased breathing rate
-Inhibits digestion
-Inhibits salvia production

Question 20

Give some examples of body functions which are linked to the parasympathetic state

Answer 20

-Decreased heart rate
-Decreased breathing rate
-Stimulates digestion
-Stimulates saliva production

Question 21

Give a similarity of the brain and spinal cord

Answer 21

The brain and spinal cord both control involuntary process

Question 22

Give a difference between the brain and spinal cord

Answer 22

-The brain provides a conscious awareness and allows for higher order thinking while the spinal cord allows for simple reflex responses
-Brain consists of multiple regions responsible for different functions whereas the spinal cord has one main function

Question 23

Give a similarity between the somatic + autonomic and parasympathetic +sympathetic systems

Answer 23

The sympathetic nervous system (fight flight) and somatic nervous system (carry information from sensory receptors to the spinal cord and brain) respond to external stimuli

Question 24

Give a difference between the somatic + autonomic and parasympathetic +sympathetic systems

Answer 24

The autonomic nervous system consists of two subcomponents whereas the somatic nervous system only has one

The somatic nervous system has sensory and motor pathways whereas the autonomic nervous system only has motor pathways

The autonomic controls internal organs and glands while the somatic controls muscles and movement