biological approach pt2

• The brain

  • the largest part of the brain is the cerebrum, making up about 85% of the total mass of the brain
  • The outer surface of the cerebrum is called the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for many higher order functions such as thought and language
  • The cerebrum is divided into two haves (hemispheres) with each hemisphere further divided into four different parts (lobes)
• cerebrum - largest part of the brain, responsible for conscious thought, memory, language and movement
• The biological structures of the brain consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) both of which influence behaviour.
• • The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and these send messages to and from the environment. They also act as the centre point from which all the physiological elements of the individual are controlled and coordinated such as breathing, heart rate and even the sense.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): This system connects the CNS to other organs and muscles via nerves that transmit signals between them. There are two types of PNS: somatic and autonomic.
• The ANS is important for survival as it manages the bodies response to any threats while the somatic system control the muscles and receives information from the skin e.g temperature.
• 1. Frontal lobe- involved in speech, thought and learning
  2. Temporal lobe- involved with hearing and memory
  3. Parietal lobe- processes sensory information such as touch, temperature and pain
  4. Occipital lobe- processes visual information
• Neurotransmitters

  • Chemicals which travel via the cerebral fluid and are released when nerve impulses reach the end of a neuron. Some trigger the receiving neuron to send an impulse while others inhibit impulses being sent.
  • neurotransmitters triggers a release from receiving neurons= excitatory neurotransmitters (dopamine)
  • inhibit impulses= inhibitory neurotransmitters(serotonin)