Nervous system

• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

  To regulate the activity of organs
• How does the hypothalamus influence hormone release?

  It influences the release from other glands
• How many lobes does the pituitary gland have?

  Two lobes
• What hormone does the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland release?

  ACTH
• What does ACTH stimulate in the body?

  It stimulates the adrenal medulla
• What hormone is released by the adrenal medulla when stressed?

  Cortisol
• What effect does cortisol have on glucose?

  It stimulates the release of glucose
• How does cortisol affect the immune system?

  It enhances the immune system
• What is the role of the thyroid gland?

  To release melatonin
• What biological rhythms does melatonin influence?

  Sleep-wake cycle and metabolism
• What are the key functions of the endocrine system?

  • Regulates organ activity
  • Influences hormone release
  • Maintains biological rhythms
• How do cortisol and melatonin differ in their functions?

  Cortisol:

  • Released during stress
  • Increases glucose availability
  • Enhances immune function

  
  

  Melatonin:

  • Regulates sleep-wake cycle
  • Influences metabolism
  • Released by the thyroid gland
• Synaptic transmission is the process by which nerve signals are passed between neurons across a small gap called the synapse. When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a presynaptic neuron, it triggers vesicles within the neuron to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap. These neurotransmitters then travel across the synapse and bind to specific receptor sites on the postsynaptic membrane of the receiving (postsynaptic) neuron.
• Depending on the type of neurotransmitter, this binding can have different effects. If the will generate an electrical impulse, effectively "passing on" the signal. Conversely, if the neurotransmitter causes excitation, it increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron neurotransmitter causes inhibition, it decreases the likelihood of an impulse, reducing neuronal activity. This balance of excitation and inhibition is crucial for regulating brain function, affecting everything from movement to mood and cognition.
• Sensory neurons transmit information from sensory receptors (e.g., in the skin, eyes, ears) to the central nervous system. They detect external stimuli-such as touch, light, or sound-and convert them into electrical signals. This process enables the brain to interpret sensory input, forming perceptions and guiding appropriate responses.

  They have long dendrites and short axons, the cell body protrudes out of the middle of the axons.
• Relay neurons, found in the central nervous system, connect sensory neurons to motor neurons, facilitating internal communication within the brain and spinal cord. They process and transmit information between neurons, playing a key role in reflexes and complex neural circuits, which supports thought processes, learning, and coordinated responses. They have short dendrites and long axons. ferrite’s protrudes out of the cell body.
• Motor neurons transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling movement and action. They carry instructions from the brain or spinal cord to specific body parts, causing muscle contractions or glandular responses. This function is essential for voluntary actions, reflexes, and physical responses to stimuli. They have short dendrites and long axons (some are in), dendrites protrudes out of the body.
• What is the nervous system's primary function in psychology?

  Body's communication network
• How does the nervous system contribute to sensory processing?

  It interprets sensory input to form perceptions
• What types of actions does the nervous system coordinate?

  Voluntary and involuntary actions
• What role does the autonomic nervous system play?

  Manages automatic responses
• Which brain region is responsible for emotional and memory functions?

  Limbic system
• What functions do the frontal lobes support?

  Thinking and decision-making
• What is neuroplasticity?

  Brain's ability to adapt and form new connections
• How does neuroplasticity aid learning?

  By forming new connections in the brain
• What is the nervous system's role in stress responses?

  Underpins behavior, cognition, and emotional well-being
• Why is the nervous system important for psychological study and intervention?

  It influences behavior, cognition, and emotions
• What does the peripheral nervous system connect?

  The central nervous system to the body
• What is the primary function of the peripheral nervous system?

  Facilitates communication between brain and body
• What are the two parts of the peripheral nervous system?

  Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• What does the somatic nervous system manage?

  Voluntary movements and sensory information
• What does the autonomic nervous system control?

  Involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion
• Into what two systems does the autonomic nervous system divide?

  Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
• What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

  Activates "fight or flight" responses
• What does the parasympathetic nervous system promote?

  "Rest and digest" functions
• How does the peripheral nervous system influence emotional responses?

  It affects physical reactions to stress and behavior
• What are the main functions of the peripheral nervous system?

  • Connects CNS to the body
  • Manages voluntary movements
  • Processes sensory information
  • Controls involuntary functions
  • Influences emotional responses and behavior
• What does the autonomic nervous system control?

  Involuntary bodily functions
• Why are the functions of the autonomic nervous system crucial?

  They are crucial for emotional and stress responses
• What are the two main branches of the autonomic nervous system?

  Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems