biopsych

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

  Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• What is the structure of the nervous system?

  • Central Nervous System (CNS)
  • Brain
  • Spinal Cord
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  • Somatic Nervous System
  • Autonomic Nervous System
  • Sympathetic Nervous System
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System
• What is the role of the central nervous system (CNS)?

  It provides conscious awareness and is involved in all psychological processes.
• What are the two main parts of the CNS?

  Brain and spinal cord
• What are the four main lobes of the brain?

  Frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe
• What is the function of the occipital lobe?

  It processes visual information.
• What is the function of the temporal lobe?

  It processes auditory information.
• What role does the parietal lobe play?

  It integrates information from different senses and plays a role in spatial navigation.
• What functions are associated with the frontal lobe?

  Higher-order functions, including planning, abstract reasoning, and logic.
• What does the brain stem connect and control?

  It connects the brain and spinal cord and controls involuntary processes.
• What is the role of the spinal cord?

  To transfer messages to and from the brain and the rest of the body.
• What is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  To relay messages from the CNS to the rest of the body.
• What are the two main components of the PNS?

  Somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system
• What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

  It facilitates communication between the CNS and the outside world.
• What does the autonomic nervous system regulate?

  Homeostasis, including body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

  To prepare the body for fight or flight responses.
• What happens during a sympathetic nervous system response?

  Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate increase while digestion is suppressed.
• What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  To relax the body and return it to a normal resting state.
• What occurs during a parasympathetic nervous system response?

  Heart rate and breathing rate slow down, and digestion resumes.
• What are the similarities and differences between the brain and spinal cord?

  Similarities:

  • Both control involuntary processes.

  
  

  Differences:

  • The brain provides conscious awareness and higher-order thinking.
  • The spinal cord allows for simple reflex responses.
• What are the similarities and differences between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

  Similarities:

  • Both respond to external stimuli.

  
  

  Differences:

  • Somatic nervous system has sensory and motor pathways; autonomic nervous system has only motor pathways.
  • Autonomic nervous system controls internal organs; somatic nervous system controls muscles and movement.
• What are the three main types of neurons?

  Sensory neurons, relay neurons, and motor neurons
• What is the function of sensory neurons?

  They carry nerve impulses to the spinal cord and brain from sensory receptors.
• Where are relay neurons found?

  Between sensory input and motor output, in the brain and spinal cord.
• What is the role of motor neurons?

  To control muscle movements by releasing neurotransmitters.
• What are the parts of a neuron?

  • Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptor cells.
  • Cell body: Control center containing the nucleus.
  • Axon: Carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.
  • Axon terminals: Connect to other neurons or organs.
  • Myelin sheath: Insulates the axon for faster impulse travel (except in relay neurons).
• What is synaptic transmission?

  The process of transferring an electrical impulse across the synaptic gap to another neuron.
• What is action potential?

  An electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron.
• What are neurotransmitters?

  Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synaptic gap.
• What happens when neurotransmitters bind to post-synaptic receptors?

  They activate the receptors, producing excitatory or inhibitory effects.
• What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of the post-synaptic cell firing, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease it.
• What is the role of noradrenaline?

  It is an excitatory neurotransmitter that makes the post-synaptic cell more likely to fire.
• What is the role of GABA?

  It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that makes the post-synaptic cell less likely to fire.
• What is the function of the endocrine system?

  • Works alongside the nervous system.
  • A network of glands that secrete hormones.
  • Uses blood vessels to transmit information.
  • Regulates various bodily functions and behaviors.
• What is the main function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

  To stimulate or control the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
• Why is the pituitary gland known as the master gland?

  Because it controls and stimulates the release of hormones from other glands.
• What is a key hormone released from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland?

  Oxytocin
• What is the function of oxytocin?

  It is responsible for uterus contractions during childbirth.
• What is a key hormone released from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland?

  Adrenocortical trophic hormone (ACTH)
• What does ACTH stimulate?

  It stimulates the adrenal cortex and the release of cortisol during the stress response.