Week 3: Biological Bases of Psychology: Neural Processes

Question 1

What does CNS and PNS stand for?

Answer 1

Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System

Question 2

What does the PNS do?

Answer 2

The PNS sends information via the sensory systems within the body (organs and tissue) to the CNS.

Question 3

What does the CNS do?

Answer 3

The CNS sends information to the muscles and glands about what to do.

Question 4

Name the three types of Neurons

Answer 4

Sensory Neurons (Afferent), Motor Neurons (Efferent), Interneurons.

Question 5

Neurons: Explain the role of the Sensory Neuron (Afferent):

Answer 5

The Sensory Neuron transmits information from the sensory cells to the brain.

Question 6

Neurons: Explain the role of the Motor Neuron (Efferent):

Answer 6

The Motor Neuron transmits commands from the brain to the muscles and glands of the body.

Question 7

Neurons: Explain the role of the Interneurons

Answer 7

Nerve cells which connect neurons to other neurons.

Question 8

Explain how Neurons communicate

Answer 8

Neurons send messages electrochemically using ions.

Question 9

Name as many of the important Ions as you can (there are 4)

Answer 9

Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride.

Question 10

Explain: “Resting Membrane Potential”

Answer 10

When a Neuron is not being fired, it is “at rest” and the inside is negatively charged relative to the outside.

Question 11

Resting Membrane Potential: What is the Resting Membrane Potential in Voltage? (Millivolts=mV)

Answer 11

-70mV (meaning the inside of the neuron is 70mV less than the outside)

Question 12

When does “Depolarisation” occur?

Answer 12

When a neuron is stimulated by another.

Question 13

Explain the process of Depolarisation

Answer 13

1. Sodium channels open 2. An influx of Sodium ions occurs within the neuron 3. This results in the neuron becoming less negatively charged, making it more likely to fire.

Question 14

When does “Action Potential” occur?

Answer 14

When depolarisation brings the resting potential to approx. -55mV

Question 15

Action Potential: Explain the “All or None” principle

Answer 15

The neuron either does not reach the Action Potential threshold (-55mV) or a full Action Potential is fired. All Action Potentials are the same size.

Question 16

Name the two types of Neurotransmitters?

Answer 16

Excitatory and Inhibitory transmitters

Question 17

Neurotransmitters: Explain what Excitatory Neurotransmitters do

Answer 17

Excitatory Neurotransmitters increase neural firing (they grease the wheels of neural communication).

Question 18

Neurotransmitters: Explain what Inhibitory Neurotransmitters do

Answer 18

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters decrease neural firing (they apply the brakes).

Question 19

What is the role of the Endocrine system?

Answer 19

To release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Question 20

Name the major endocrine glands (there are 4)

Answer 20

Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenal, Testes

Question 21

Explain “Summation”

Answer 21

Cumulative effect of depolarisation graded potentials resulting in Action Potential

Question 22

Name and explain the two types of Summation

Answer 22

Temporal summation (multiple potentials at the same site) Partial summation (simultaneous potentials at multiple sites)

Question 23

Neuron Anatomy: Protective coating of the Axon which speeds neural transmission.

Answer 23

Myelin Sheath

Question 24

Neuron Anatomy: These receive neurotransmitters from other neurons

Answer 24

Dendrites

Question 25

Neuron Anatomy: Where neurotransmitters “swim”

Answer 25

Synaptic Cleft