Topic 3- Biological Structures Flashcards
What 2 parts make up the Nervous system?
The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central and the peripheral nervous system. These are described in greater detail in Chapter 6 (Biopsychology)
What are the 2 major body systems Biology Psychologists are interested in and what do they do?
Two major systems of the human body which biological
psychologists are interested in are the nervous system and the
endocrine system.
- The nervous system uses electric currents to pass messages along
nerves and chemicals to pass messages from one nerve to the next
across a gap called the synapse. - The endocrine system is based on chemicals passing through the
blood from one organ to ‘target’ sites. These chemicals are
hormones and they are produced in glands. For example, you know
of one called adrenaline which is made in the adrenal glands. It is
used at synapses where the chemical noradrenaline is being used
to pass messages from one neurone to another or to a gland such
as the heart etc.
What does the Central Nervous System consist of and why is it important?
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. These are pivotal in transferring messages to and from the environment but perhaps more importantly, they act as the centre from which all the physiology of the individual is controlled. Breathing, eating, the heart beat and the senses are all co-ordinated from the central nervous system. This is why biopsychologists look to the brain for behaviour as most actions and reactions are generated from the central nervous system.
What does the Peripheral Nervous system consist of and why is it important?
The Somatic system and the autonomic system
The peripheral nervous system sends and receives information to the central nervous system as it is the nervous system for the limbs and torso which collect information from the environment in terms of temperature, pain and threat.
Why is the autonomic and somatic system important?
The autonomic system is important for survival of the individual and affects the reaction to threat, along with returning the body to normality (called homeostasis) after an acute reaction.
The somatic system within the peripheral nervous system comprises the muscles attached to the skeleton and is therefore very important in movement. The somatic system also receives information from the skin, for example temperature of the environment.
What are neuorons?
Nerve cells that transfer information throughout the nervous system
What is the Endocrine system not part of, what is it and what does it do?
The endocrine system is not part of the nervous system but is important in terms of the biochemistry of the body. Its main job is to maintain levels of hormones in the blood and other bodily fluids. This is done by using the glands in the body.
What is the most important gland and what do Biopsychologists argue?
The most important gland is argued to be the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. This is sometimes called the ‘master gland’ because it instructs the other glands to secrete hormones when necessary. Biopsychologists argue that the level of a hormone in the system can affect the behaviour of an individual.
Can you draw a diagram of the nervous system?
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