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 CNS and PNS work together?

  They collect information, process it, and dispatch instructions for responses
• What is the role of sensory receptors in the PNS?

  They process internal and external changes
• What is the composition of the CNS?

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

  Regulating body temperature, heart rate, and breathing
• What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

  Memory, thinking, learning, problem-solving, and sensory functions
• What does the PNS do with messages from the brain?

  It transmits messages throughout the body and relays messages back to the brain
• What are the two sections of the PNS?

  The somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• What does the SNS transmit and receive messages from?

  From the senses apart from sight
• How are the retina and optic nerve connected?

  They are connected directly to the brain
• How does the SNS communicate touch information?

  Through the spinal cord, which relays signals to the brain
• What type of movements does the SNS control?

  Voluntary, conscious movements
• What is the reflex arc?

  An automatic response involving muscle movement

  
• What does the ANS transmit and receive information from?

  From the organs
• What are some functions regulated by the ANS?

  Heart rate, breathing, stress response, digestion, and sexual arousal
• Is the ANS voluntary or involuntary?

  It is involuntary and cannot be controlled consciously
• What does the PSNS do to heart and breathing rates?

  It slows heart and breathing rates
• How does spending more time in a PSNS state affect health?

  The healthier a person is likely to be
• What state does the PSNS enable the body to enter?

  A state of relaxation or 'standby' (recovery mode)
• What is the major gland that regulates hormones?

  The pituitary gland

  
• How do hormones act compared to neurotransmitters?

  Hormones act slowly, while neurotransmitters act fast
• What is a hormone?

  A chemical secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream
• What are testosterone and oestrogen responsible for?

  Controlling primary and secondary sexual characteristics
• What hormones are secreted by the pituitary gland?

  ACTH, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oxytocin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone
• What does ACTH trigger?

  The adrenal glands to produce cortisol and androgens

  
• What does cortisol regulate?

  The body's stress response
• What is the sympathetic nervous system (SPNS) associated with?

  The 'fight or flight' response
• What happens when the SPNS is triggered?

  The body prepares for physical activity
• What physiological changes occur due to adrenaline release?

  Increased heart rate, widened bronchial passages, and pupil dilation
• What is the role of ATP during the fight or flight response?

  It provides a short-lived, intense surge of power
• How does adrenaline affect the heart rate?

  It increases the frequency of excitations in the SAN
• What happens to blood flow during the fight or flight response?

  Blood vessels to less important organs constrict to divert blood to essential organs
• What physiological changes occur after the fight or flight response?

  Increased heart rate, dry mouth, increased sweating, and increased breathing rate
• What can happen if the energy from the fight or flight response is not used?

  It can lead to stress and long-term health conditions
• What should be included in an exam answer about the fight or flight response?

  Detail and technical language about biological mechanisms and physiological effects
• What are neurons?

  Neurons are cells that exist within the nervous system.
• Why are neurons essential to everyday survival?

  They are the building blocks of communication within the body.
• How do neurons send messages around the body?

  They send electrical and chemical messages to sense organs, glands, and other organs.
• Where is the information directed after being sent by neurons?

  To the central nervous system (CNS).
• What are the main components of a neuron?

  • Cell body containing a nucleus
  • Dendrites
  • Axon covered in a myelin sheath
  • Terminal knobs