biological psych

• Who is the instructor for the Introduction to Biopsychology course?

  Dr. Matt Kimberley
• What is the main focus of the session overview in the Introduction to Biopsychology?

  Neurotransmission and the nervous system
• What are the two main divisions of the nervous system discussed in the material?

  • Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• What does the Central Nervous System consist of?

  The brain and spinal cord
• What is the primary function of the brain in the Central Nervous System?

  Processes information and makes decisions
• How does the spinal cord respond to sensory information?

  It either directly responds through reflexes or transmits information to the brain
• What is the role of the Peripheral Nervous System?

  It leads to responses based on information from the Central Nervous System
• What are the two components of the Peripheral Nervous System?

  • Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
• What does the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) interact with?

  The external environment
• What types of nerves compose the Somatic Nervous System?

  Afferent and efferent nerves
• What do afferent nerves do in the Somatic Nervous System?

  Carry sensory signals to the CNS
• What do efferent nerves do in the Somatic Nervous System?

  Carry motor signals from the CNS to muscles
• How can you remember the difference between afferent and efferent neurons?

  Afferent Arrives, Efferent Exits
• What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

  • Regulates bodily functions unconsciously
  • Controls heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, etc.
• What types of nerves are found in the Autonomic Nervous System?

  Afferent and efferent nerves
• What do afferent neurons do in the Autonomic Nervous System?

  Carry sensory signals from internal organs to the CNS
• What do efferent neurons do in the Autonomic Nervous System?

  Carry motor signals from the CNS to internal organs
• What are the two systems within the Autonomic Nervous System?

  • Sympathetic system: emergency responses
  • Parasympathetic system: non-emergency responses
• What regions of the spinal cord do the sympathetic system project from?

  The lumbar and thoracic regions
• What is the function of the sympathetic system?

  To trigger fight or flight responses
• What regions of the spinal cord do the parasympathetic system project from?

  The sacral and cranial regions
• What is the function of the parasympathetic system?

  To trigger non-emergency responses by organs
• What is a neuron?

  • A nerve cell that transmits electrical signals
  • Structure can vary among different types of neurons
• What is an ion?

  An atom or molecule with a net electric charge
• What happens when ions flow from point A to point B?

  It causes an electrical current
• Which ions are mentioned as important for neuronal function?

  Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺), Calcium (Ca⁺⁺), Chloride (Cl^-)
• How do ions move in relation to concentration?

  Ions move from high concentration to low concentration
• What triggers the action potential in a neuron?

  Stimulation causes the membrane to change shape and Na⁺ channels to open
• What is the threshold voltage that triggers an action potential?

  • 55 mV
• What happens when Na⁺ enters the neuron during an action potential?

  The voltage increases, leading to depolarization
• What occurs during repolarization of a neuron?

  K⁺ exits the neuron while Na⁺ channels close
• What is hyperpolarization in a neuron?

  When the voltage reaches -75 mV
• Why does the action potential only move in one direction along the neuron?

  Due to the refractory period preventing backward movement
• What is the role of the Sodium-Potassium Pump?

  • Returns sodium and potassium to normal concentrations
  • Maintains resting membrane potential
• How do myelin sheaths affect action potential transmission?

  They increase transmission speed by allowing the action potential to jump between nodes
• What are synapses?

  Points of contact between neurons where information is passed
• What happens at the synapse when an action potential arrives?

  It triggers voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels to open
• How do neurotransmitters (NTs) function at the synapse?

  They diffuse across the synaptic cleft and open gated Na⁺ channels
• What is the theory of localization in the brain?

  • Functions are performed in specific areas of the brain
  • Damage to these areas leads to impairment of functions
• What are the components of the hindbrain?

  • Myelencephalon: Medulla
  • Metencephalon: Cerebellum and pons