biopsych

• What is the central nervous system (CNS)?


  The CNS consists of the **brain** and **spinal cord**. It is responsible for processing and coordinating information.
• What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?


  The PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS. It transmits information to and from the CNS.
• What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?


  The ANS is divided into the **sympathetic nervous system** (fight or flight) and the **parasympathetic nervous system** (rest and digest).
• What is the role of neurotransmitters?


  Neurotransmitters are **chemical messengers** that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
• What is synaptic transmission?


  Synaptic transmission is the process by which **neurotransmitters** are released from the presynaptic neuron, cross the synaptic gap, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
• What is the endocrine system?


  The endocrine system is a network of **glands** that secrete **hormones** into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.
• What is the fight or flight response?


  The fight or flight response is an **acute stress response** triggered by the **sympathetic nervous system**, preparing the body to either confront or flee from a threat.
• What is localisation of function in the brain?


  Localisation of function refers to the idea that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions, e.g., the **Broca's area** for speech production.
• What is plasticity in the brain?


  Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to **adapt and reorganise** itself by forming new neural connections, especially in response to learning or injury.
• What is functional recovery?


  Functional recovery is the brain's ability to **transfer functions** from damaged areas to undamaged areas, often after injury.
• What is a circadian rhythm?


  A circadian rhythm is a **24-hour cycle** that regulates physiological processes, such as the sleep-wake cycle.
• What is an ultradian rhythm?


  An ultradian rhythm is a cycle that occurs **more than once in 24 hours**, such as the stages of sleep.
• What is an infradian rhythm?


  An infradian rhythm is a cycle that occurs **less than once in 24 hours**, such as the menstrual cycle.
• What is the pineal gland responsible for?


  The pineal gland secretes **melatonin**, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?


  The hypothalamus controls the **pituitary gland**, which in turn regulates other glands in the endocrine system.
• Excitatory synapse


  A synapse that releases neurotransmitters that increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing
• Inhibitory synapse


  A synapse that releases neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing
• Axon


  The long, thin extension of a neuron that carries signals away from the cell body
• Synapse


  A small gap between two neurons through which chemical signals are transmitted
• Dopamine


  A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement
• Serotonin


  A neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep
• Auditory cortex


  The part of the brain responsible for processing sound and hearing
• Motor neuron


  A type of neuron that carries signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands
• Cerebellum


  The part of the brain responsible for coordinating and regulating movement
• Synaptic plasticity


  The ability of synapses to change and adapt in response to experience or activity, allowing the strength of connections between neurons to be modified
• Recovery of function

  The process by which the brain recovers or compensates for lost or damaged function, such as after stroke or injury
• Synaptic pruning


  The process by which the brain eliminates or refines weak or unnecessary neural connections, refining the neural circuitry
• Neuroplasticity


  The brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life, enabling learning, memory, and recovery from injury