biopsychology

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

  The brain and the spinal cord
• What is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  It relays messages from the environment to the CNS and from the CNS to effectors.
• What are the two subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system?

  The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
• What functions does the autonomic nervous system control?

  Involuntary, vital functions of the body, such as heart rates and breathing rates.
• What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system?

  The sympathetic branch prepares the body for 'fight or flight', while the parasympathetic branch promotes 'rest and digest'.
• What physiological changes does the sympathetic nervous system induce?

  Increases heart rate, breathing rate, causes vasoconstriction and pupil dilation.
• What physiological changes does the parasympathetic nervous system induce?

  Decreases heart rate, breathing rates, causes vasodilation and pupil constriction.
• What is the role of the endocrine system?

  It is the main chemical messenger system of the body, where hormones are secreted into the bloodstream.
• What is considered the 'master' gland of the endocrine system?

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

  Thyroxine, which increases heart rate and growth rate.
• What role does adrenaline play in the fight or flight response?

  It creates physiological arousal by increasing activity in the sympathetic branch of the nervous system.
• What are the steps involved in the fight or flight response?

  1. The body senses a stressor.
  2. Information is sent to the hypothalamus.
  3. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla.
  4. Physiological changes occur (e.g., increased heart rate).
  5. Once the threat is gone, the parasympathetic branch is activated.
• What is synaptic transmission?

  A method of neurons communicating with each other.

  
• What are the steps of synaptic transmission?

  1. Action potential arrives at the presynaptic membrane.
  2. Calcium ion channels open, causing depolarization.
  3. Neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft.
  4. Neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
  5. Action potential is transmitted along the next neuron.

  
• What effect do inhibitory neurotransmitters have?

  They reduce the likelihood of an action potential being generated.
• What effect do excitatory neurotransmitters have?

  They increase the likelihood of an action potential being generated.
• What is the motor area responsible for?

  Regulating and coordinating movements.
• What happens if there is damage to the motor area?

  It results in an inability to control voluntary fine motor movements.
• Where is the auditory area located?

  In the temporal lobe on the superior temporal gyrus.
• What is the consequence of damage to Wernicke’s area?

  It results in Wernicke’s aphasia, characterized by nonsensical speech.
• What is Broca’s area responsible for?

  Speech production.
• What happens if there is damage to Broca’s area?

  It results in Broca’s aphasia, characterized by difficulty forming sentences.
• What does localisation theory suggest?

  Certain areas of the brain are responsible for specific processes and behaviors.
• What evidence supports localisation of brain function?

  Tulving et al. found that different types of memories are recalled from different areas of the brain.
• What is the law of equipotentiality?

  It states that secondary neural circuits surrounding a damaged area can become activated to take over functions.
• What is neuroplasticity?

  The brain's ability to adapt and change in response to trauma, new experiences, and learning.
• What did Maguire et al. find in their study of London taxi drivers?

  They found a larger grey matter volume in the mid-posterior hippocampi.
• What is functional recovery in the brain?

  It is the ability of the brain to transfer functions from damaged areas to healthy parts.
• What is an example of negative plasticity?

  Phantom limb syndrome, where sensory input from the face activates hand zones in the cortex.
• What is an example of positive plasticity?

  The case of Jodi Miller, who regained control of her body after the removal of her right hemisphere.
• What did Hubel and Wiesel find in their study of kittens?

  Activity in the left visual cortex despite the right eye being sutured.
• What is the role of sensory neurons in the nervous system?

  They relay messages from the environment to the CNS.
• What is the role of motor neurons in the nervous system?

  They carry out responses dictated by the brain by sending information to effectors.
• What is synaptic pruning?

  The process by which extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to increase efficiency.
• How does the hippocampus relate to spatial awareness?

  It is associated with spatial awareness, which is crucial for navigation.
• What are the mechanisms involved in functional recovery?

  Axonal sprouting, reformation of blood vessels, and activation of secondary neural circuits.
• What does the holistic view of brain function suggest?

  Each function requires several brain areas to be activated, not restricted to specific areas.
• What is the significance of the cingulate gyrus in OCD treatment?

  Lesioning of the cingulate gyrus can help control symptoms of OCD.
• What is the role of the thalamus in sensory processing?

  It receives neuronal input from specific nuclei that correspond with sensations.
• What happens if there are lesions in the somatosensory area?

  It results in a loss of ability to denote sensitivity to particular bodily areas.