BioPsychology

• What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

  The CNS (Central Nervous System) and PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)
• What is the primary function of the nervous system?

  To carry messages from and to the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body
• How are electrical signals communicated in the nervous system?

  Through neurons that send out nerve impulses
• What is the role of neurons in the nervous system?

  To send out nerve impulses
• What is the function of the frontal lobe in the brain?

  Speech and thought, as well as consciousness
• What are the components of the nervous system and their functions?

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Processes information and coordinates activity
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body
  • Neurons: Carry electrical signals and nerve impulses
• What does the parietal lobe process?

  Sensory information like temperature and pain
• Where is the occipital lobe located in the brain?

  At the very back of the brain
• What type of information does the occipital lobe process?

  Visual information
• What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

  It sends out messages from the brain to the body.
• What does the PNS extend beyond?

  The CNS (Central Nervous System)
• What is the primary function of the PNS?

  To transmit messages to/from the brain to the whole body
• What does the somatic nervous system do?

  It transmits and receives messages from the senses and directs muscles to react
• How does the somatic nervous system interact with the senses?

  It transmits and receives messages from the senses
• What is the primary function of the temporal lobe?

  Memory
• What types of muscles does the ANS control?

  Non-skeletal muscles like the heart and pancreas
• What does the ANS contain in relation to vital organs?

  Automatic reactions
• How does the spinal cord contribute to voluntary movements?

  It allows the brain to control voluntary movements.
• What are the main components of the nervous system discussed in the study material?

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  • Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • Somatic Nervous System
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
• What are the main lobes of the brain and their functions?

  • Frontal lobe: Speech, thought, consciousness
  • Parietal lobe: Processes sensory information (temperature, pain)
  • Occipital lobe: Visual information
  • Temporal lobe: Memory
• What involuntary processes does the brain help regulate?

  Breathing and digestion.
• What is a reflex action in relation to the spinal cord?

  A reflex action occurs without going to the brain.
• What are the two parts of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

  The Sympathetic branch and the Parasympathetic branch
• What are the key functions of the spinal cord?

  • Sends messages from the brain to the body
  • Facilitates voluntary movements
  • Allows reflex actions without brain involvement
• What are the main functions of the Sympathetic branch of the ANS?

  • Activated in situations that require energy
  • Causes eyes to dilate
  • Decreases digestion
  • Directs blood flow towards muscles
• What are the main functions of the Parasympathetic branch of the ANS?

  • Used to conserve energy
  • Does the opposite of the sympathetic branch
  • Reverts blood flow back to digestion
  • Decreases breathing rate
• What are the two parts of the pituitary gland?

  The anterior and posterior pituitary
• What are the two parts of the adrenal gland?

  The adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex
• What hormone does the anterior pituitary produce that stimulates the adrenal glands?

  ACTH
• What hormone does the adrenal cortex produce and what are its functions?

  The adrenal cortex produces cortisol, which provides cardiovascular support and has anti-inflammatory properties
• What is the role of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands?

  Cortisol helps regulate metabolism and stress response
• Which hormones does the anterior pituitary stimulate the ovaries to produce?

  Oestrogen and progesterone
• Why is the timing and amount of hormone secretion important for the immune system?

  Improper timing and amounts can lead to dysfunction of the immune system
• What does the anterior pituitary stimulate in males?

  It stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and sperm
• What can happen if cortisol levels are too high?

  High cortisol levels can lead to poor immune system function and an inability to deal with stress
• What hormone does the posterior pituitary produce that is key for bonding between mother and child?

  Oxytocin
• What does the adrenal medulla release?

  The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline
• What is the role of adrenaline and noradrenaline released by the adrenal medulla?

  They are involved in the fight or flight response
• What information does the hypothalamus receive regarding the body?

  Information about the function of the body
• How does the hypothalamus influence the pituitary gland?

  It controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland