Brain and neurophyscology

• What are the two main divisions of the human nervous system?

  The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
• What does the central nervous system consist of?

  The brain and the spinal cord.
• What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?

  It collects information from and sends information to different parts of the body.
• What are the two sections of the peripheral nervous system?

  The somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
• What is the role of the somatic nervous system?

  It is a network of nerve fibres that carries information to and from the CNS using sensory and motor neurons.
• How do myelinated nerve fibres affect message transmission?

  Myelinated nerve fibres help messages travel faster.
• What is the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

  It coordinates general physiological functioning and responds to stressful or emotional events.
• What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

  The sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.
• What does the sympathetic division do?

  It sets off arousal and activates the fight or flight response when under threat.
• What is the role of the parasympathetic division?

  It allows the body to store energy when not under threat.
• How does the autonomic nervous system respond to a threat?


  It switches from parasympathetic to sympathetic activity, preparing the body for action.
• What physiological changes occur during the fight or flight response?

  Breathing deepens, heart rate increases, and blood carries more oxygen.
• What is the function of adrenaline during the fight or flight response?

  It activates the heart, making it beat faster in preparation for action.
• What does the James-Lange theory of emotion propose?

  It suggests that emotions are the result of perceiving physical changes in the body.
• Who was one of the first to investigate the fight or flight reaction?

  William James.
• What example did James use to illustrate his theory?

  Falling down the stairs and grabbing the banister.
• What is a criticism of the James-Lange theory of emotion?

  There need to be separate patterns of physiological arousal for each emotion, which has not been found.
• What did Schachter and Singer suggest about emotional experiences?

  They proposed that both physiological changes and cognitive interpretations lead to emotions.
• What are the three types of neurons in the nervous system?

  Sensory neurons, relay neurons, and motor neurons.
• What is the function of sensory neurons?


  They carry information from the sense organs to the central nervous system (CNS).
• How do motor neurons function?


  They send signals from the brain to the muscles to stimulate movement.
• What is the role of relay neurons?


  They pass messages to other neurons within the central nervous system (CNS).
• What is synaptic transmission?


  It is the process where neurons pass messages by releasing neurotransmitters into synapses.
• What happens during synaptic transmission?

  Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic knobs into the synapse and picked up by receptor sites on the next neuron.
• What is excitation in synaptic transmission?

  It makes the receiving neuron more likely to generate an electrical impulse.
• What is inhibition in synaptic transmission?


  It makes the neuron less likely to fire an electrical impulse.
• What is the re-uptake process in synaptic transmission?

  It is when neurotransmitters are released back into the synapse for reuse.
• What did Donald Hebb propose about neuronal growth?

  He suggested that repeated excitation of a neuron leads to neuronal growth and larger synaptic knobs.
• What are "cell assemblies" according to Hebb?

  They are combinations of neurons that form a single processing unit when frequently activated together.
• How does Hebb's theory relate to learning?

  It suggests that learning strengthens cell assemblies, improving memory and information retention.
• What are the main structures of the brain that students need to know?

  The frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and cerebellum.
• What is the function of the frontal lobe?

  It controls thought, memory, problem-solving, planning, and movements.
• What does the parietal lobe do?

  It integrates information from other areas to form complex behaviors and is responsible for language.
• What is the role of the occipital lobe?


  It processes visual information such as color, shape, and distance.
• What does the cerebellum control?

  It is involved in balance and coordination of movements.
• What is meant by localization of function in the brain?

  It refers to the association of specific brain functions with particular areas of the cerebral cortex.
• What is the motor area responsible for?

  It controls deliberate movement by sending signals to muscles.
• What does the somatosensory area do?

  It is responsible for processing touch and sensory information from the body.
• How does the sensitivity of body parts relate to the somatosensory cortex?

  The more sensitive a body part is, the larger the area of the somatosensory cortex it occupies.
• What is the significance of Penfield’s study of the interpretive cortex?

  It helped to understand the localization of brain functions.