Brain and Neuropsychology Flashcards
Structure and function of nervous system
Divisions of the human nervous system - Somatic nervous system, Autonomic nervous system
Fight or flight response
James lange theory of emotion- suggested that emotions occur as physiological responses to events. The theory proposes that people have a physiological response to their environment and their interpretation of that physical response then results in an emotional experience. He thought emotion was your interpretation of a physical action.
Fight or flight response
The fight-or-flight response (also known as the acute stress response), refers to a physiological reaction that occurs when we are in the presence of something that is mentally or physically terrifying.
In response to acute stress, the body’s sympathetic nervous system is activated by the sudden release of hormones. The sympathetic nervous system then stimulates the adrenal glands, triggering the release of catecholamines (including adrenaline and noradrenaline).
This chain of reactions results in an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.2 After the threat is gone, it takes between 20 to 60 minutes for the body to return to its pre-arousal levels.
Neuron structure and function
Sensory Neurons
Motor neurons
Relay neurons
Synaptic transmission - Release and reputake of neurotransmitters
Parts of the brain
Temporal lobe - Left portion of each hemisphere, located near the temples.
Occipital lobe - Back of the brain and main target for visual information
Parietal lobe - Located at the top of the brain between the frontal lobe and occipital lobe. Responsible for bodily sensations and monitors all information about positioning
Frontal lobe - Located at front of brain and contains the primary motor cortex and pre frontal cortex. The frontal lobe is involved in recent memory, planning of movements and behaviour.
Cerebellum - Large hindbrain structure. Contributes to the control of movement and is important for balance and coordination
CNS
Brain and spinal cord
Periphery Nervous system
Cranial Nerves, Spinal nerves.
Connects the cns to organs, muscles and skin.
Neuron parts
Dendrites - Long ends
Myelin sheath - Insulates cell
Nucleus - Controls cell
Axon - Transmits chemical and electrical signals
Neurotransmitters
Dopamine - Plays a role in attention and learning. Not enough can make it difficult to concentrate
Serotonin - Plays a role in our mood. too little can make people feel depressed.
GABA - Plays a role in calming us down. When we feel stressed we release GABA to calm us down. Not enough causes us to feel stressed
