Psychology - Biopsychology

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

  The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• How do the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system work together?

  They collect information and dispatch instructions to facilitate an appropriate response
• What role do sensory receptors in the PNS play?

  They process internal and external changes and send information to the CNS
• What does the CNS consist of?

  The brain and the spinal cord
• What are some functions of the brain?

  Regulating body temperature, heart rate, breathing, language, coordinating movement, and problem-solving
• What is the cerebral cortex?

  The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher functions
• Why is the cerebral cortex significant in distinguishing humans from animals?

  It carries out essential functions such as memory, thinking, and problem-solving
• What is the role of the spinal cord?

  It transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body via the PNS
• What are the two sections of the peripheral nervous system?

  The somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• What does the somatic nervous system (SNS) do?

  It transmits and receives messages from the senses, excluding sight
• How do the senses communicate with the brain via the SNS?

  Through sensory information from sound, smell, taste, and touch
• What type of movements does the SNS control?

  Voluntary, conscious movements
• What is the reflex arc?

  A mechanism that involves automatic muscle movement
• What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulate?

  Involuntary functions such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion
• What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?

  The sympathetic nervous system (SPNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)
• What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system (SPNS)?

  It prepares the body for physical activity in response to a stimulus
• What happens when the SPNS is triggered?

  Adrenaline is released, and physiological changes occur to prepare for action
• What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)?

  It conserves energy and regulates bodily functions during rest
• How does the PSNS affect heart and breathing rates?

  It slows heart and breathing rates as the body relaxes
• What is the role of hormones in the body?

  They are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions
• What is the major gland that regulates hormones?

  The pituitary gland
• How do hormones differ from neurotransmitters?

  Hormones act slowly and may take years to have an effect
• What are some hormones secreted by the pituitary gland?

  Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oxytocin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone
• What is the function of oxytocin?

  It encourages attachment between mother and baby during childbirth
• What is the role of sensory neurones?

  To send information from the PNS to the CNS
• How do sensory neurones transmit messages?

  They can only transmit messages one way
• What is the role of motor neurones?

  To carry signals from the CNS to organs, muscles, and glands
• How do motor neurones differ from sensory neurones?

  Motor neurones can transmit and receive messages, while sensory neurones can only transmit
• What is the function of relay neurones?

  To connect sensory neurones to motor neurones within the CNS
• What is a synapse?

  The junction where two neurons meet
• What are the components of a synapse?

  The presynaptic knob, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane
• What are neurotransmitters?

  Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses
• How do excitatory neurotransmitters affect the postsynaptic neuron?

  They stimulate an action potential and increase the neuron's positive charge
• What is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter?

  Adrenaline
• How do inhibitory neurotransmitters affect the postsynaptic neuron?

  They inhibit action potentials and increase the neuron's negative charge
• What is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

  Serotonin
• What is the role of the brainstem?

  It connects the brain to the spinal cord
• What are the specific functions of the sympathetic nervous system (SPNS)?

  It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses
• How does the hypothalamus influence the sympathetic nervous system?

  It detects stimuli that require action and triggers the SPNS
• How do hormones affect behavior?

  They have different effects depending on the nature of the hormone