Bio psychology

• What are the divisions of the nervous system?

  • Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
  • Somatic nervous system (SNS)
  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• What is the function of sensory neurons?


  Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
• What is the role of the spinal cord in the nervous system?


  The spinal cord transmits messages to and from the brain and controls reflex actions.
• What are the two main functions of the nervous system?


  To collect, process, and respond to information; to coordinate the working of different organs and cells.
• What is the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?


  The ANS regulates vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
• What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?


  • Sympathetic nervous system
  • Parasympathetic nervous system
• What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?


  The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for emergency situations by speeding up vital signs.
• What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?


  The parasympathetic nervous system slows down vital signs and restores the body to homeostasis.
• What is the endocrine system's primary function?


  • Works alongside the nervous system
  • Controls vital functions through hormones
• What is the major endocrine gland known as the 'master gland'?

  The pituitary gland
• What hormone does the thyroid gland produce and what is its effect?


  The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, which increases heart rate and metabolic rates.
• What is synaptic transmission?


  It is the process by which neurons communicate with each other across a synapse.
• What are neurotransmitters?


  Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.
• How do neurotransmitters affect the postsynaptic neuron?


  They bind to receptor sites, converting the chemical message back into an electrical impulse.
• What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease it.
• What is the reflex arc and its function?


  • A nerve pathway that controls reflex reactions
  • Allows for quick, automatic responses to stimuli
• What happens during the electrical transmission of a neuron?


  The inside of the neuron becomes positively charged, creating an action potential that travels down the axon.
• What is the role of the myelin sheath in neurons?


  The myelin sheath protects the axon and speeds up the electrical transmission of impulses.
• What are the three types of neurons?


  Motor neurons, sensory neurons, and relay neurons.
• What are the functions of the three types of neurons?


  • Sensory neurons: Carry signals to the CNS from sensory receptors.
  • Motor neurons: Carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.
  • Relay neurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS.
• What is the significance of the nodes of Ranvier?


  They speed up the transmission of impulses by forcing the electrical signal to jump across the gaps.
• How does summation affect the firing of a neuron?


  Summation integrates the effects of excitatory and inhibitory inputs to determine if the neuron will fire.
• What is the role of the adrenal glands in the endocrine system?


  The adrenal glands secrete hormones that help prepare the body for stress responses.
• What is the effect of serotonin on the postsynaptic neuron?


  Serotonin causes inhibition, making the neuron less likely to fire.
• What is the effect of adrenaline on the postsynaptic neuron?


  Adrenaline causes excitation, increasing the likelihood of the neuron firing.
• What are the effects of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems on the body?

  • Sympathetic: Increases heart rate, respiration, and prepares for 'fight or flight'.
  • Parasympathetic: Decreases heart rate, respiration, and restores homeostasis.
• How do SSRIs work in treating depression?


  SSRIs slow down the reuptake of serotonin, keeping it active in the brain for longer.
• What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?


  The pituitary gland controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands.
• What is the relationship between neurotransmitters and mental disorders?


  Imbalances in neurotransmitters can lead to mental disorders, influencing treatment options.
• What is the significance of the cerebral cortex in the brain?


  The cerebral cortex is responsible for conscious awareness and higher cognitive functions.
• What is the function of the motor cortex?


  The motor cortex carries commands from the brain to the muscles.
• What is the role of Broca's area in the brain?


  Broca's area is involved in speech production.
• What is the role of Wernicke's area in the brain?


  Wernicke's area is involved in language comprehension.
• What is the significance of split-brain research?


  Split-brain research helps understand the lateralization of brain functions between the two hemispheres.
• What is plasticity in the context of the brain?


  Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself after trauma.
• What are biological rhythms?


  Biological rhythms are natural cycles that regulate various physiological processes in the body.
• What is the difference between circadian, infradian, and ultradian rhythms?


  Circadian rhythms last about 24 hours, infradian rhythms last longer than 24 hours, and ultradian rhythms last shorter than 24 hours.
• What are endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers?


  Endogenous pacemakers are internal biological clocks, while exogenous zeitgebers are external cues that influence biological rhythms.
• How do endogenous pacemakers affect the sleep/wake cycle?


  They regulate the timing of sleep and wakefulness based on internal biological processes.
• How do exogenous zeitgebers influence the sleep/wake cycle?

  They provide external cues, such as light and temperature, that help synchronize biological rhythms.