Chapter 4 Approaches - Biopsychology

Question 1

The nervous system - Nervous system?

Answer 1

A specialised network of cell, fast-acting and electrical (and chemical) internal communication system.

Question 2

The nervous system - Central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 2

• Brain - divided into hemispheres, celebral cortex (outer layer), 3mm thick.
• Spinal cord - connects brain to PNS, reflexes.

Question 3

The nervous system - Peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Answer 3

• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) - governs vital functions.
• Somatic nervous system (SNS) - muscle movement, sensory information.

Question 4

The endocrine system - Glands & hormones?

Answer 4

• Glands produce hormones.
• Hormones distributed in bloodstream, e.g. throid gland produces thryoxine.
• Pituitary is the master gland.

Question 5

The endocrine system - Fight or flight?

Answer 5

• Sympathetic arousal: hypothalamus + pituitary -> adrenal gland -> adrenaline.
• Adrenaline leads to increased heart rate, faster breathing, sweasting, inhibits digestion.
• Immediate & automatic.
• Parasympathetic state - once threat has passed, body returns to rest & digest.

Question 6

Structure & function of neurons - Types of neurons?

Answer 6

• Sensory - PNS to CNS, long dendrites short axons.
• Relay - sensory to motor or other relay neurons, short dendrites short axons.
• Motor - CNS to effectors, short dendrites long axons

Question 7

Structure & function of neurons - Structure of a neuron?

Answer 7

• Cell body contains nucleus, has dendrites.
• Axon covered in myelin sheath divided by nodes of Ranvier.

Question 8

Structure & function of neurons - Electrical transmission?

Answer 8

Positive charge leads to action potential.

Question 9

Synaptic transmission - Synapse?

Answer 9

Neurons separated by very tiny gaps.

Question 10

Synaptic transmission - Chemical transmission?

Answer 10

Neurotransmitter released from synaptic vesile into synapse, taken up by postsynaptic receptor site on receiving denrite.

Question 11

Synaptic transmission - Neurotransmitters?

Answer 11

Specialist functions e.g. acetylcholine for muscle contraction.

Question 12

Synaptic transmission - Excitation & inhibition?

Answer 12

Adrenaline is excitatory, serotonin is inhibitory.

Question 13

Synaptic transmission - Summation?

Answer 13

Impulses are ´added up, net effect is excitatory or inhibitory.