Biopsychology: The nervous system Flashcards
What happens in the CNS?
complex information processing takes place
What is the CNS made up of?
Brain and Spinal cord
What is the role of the brain?
Provides conscious awareness
Involved in all physiological processes (perception, attention, memory e.t.c)
What are the 4 main regions of the cerebrum?
Frontal lobe
Parietal lobe
Temporal lobe
Occipital lobe
What is the frontal lobe associated with?
associated w/ higher order functioning inc. planning, logic and abstract thinking
What is the role of the Parietal lobe?
Integrates info from different senses, such as pressure, pain, temperature, touch.
Plays a role in spatial navigation
What is the role of the temporal lobe?
Processes auditory information
What is the role of the occipital lobe?
Processes visual information
What does the brain stem connect?
Connects the brain and spinal cord
Role of the spinal cord
To relay information between the brain and the rest of the body.
What is the spinal cord capable of?
Simple reflex actions without the direct involvement of the brain, e.g. pain avoidance
Role of the peripheral nervous system
Relays nerve impulses from CNS to the rest of the body
What is the purpose of the somatic nervous system?
Maintains communication between the CNS and the outside world - Receives info from senses and transmits it to CNS (afferent impulse). Also transmits info (efferent impulse) from CNS to direct movements of muscles.
What is the somatic nervous system responsible for?
Voluntary actions
What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?
Involuntary processes e.g breathing and digestion
What does the autonomic nervous system play a significant role in?
Homeostasis (maintenance of heart rate, body temp and blood pressure)
What are the 2 main components of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic NS
Parasympathetic NS
What does the sympathetic NS do?
It readies the body for vigorous emergency activity such as the flight or fight response
An example of what happens when the sympathetic nervous system is activated
increases heart rate
rise in blood pressure
What happens to body processes such as digestion whilst the somatic nervous system is activated?
Slows down
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Return the body to a normal resting state once the threat passes
How does the parasympathetic nervous system act?
Antagonistically
Example of what the parasympathetic nervous system causes
Slows down heart rate
Lower blood pressure
Why does the parasympathetic nervous system kick in?
Because the threat would’ve passed
When the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system interact, what do they create?
Homestasis
