Biopsychology

• What is the nervous system described as?

  A specialized network of cells
• What is the primary function of the nervous system?

  To facilitate internal communication
• What types of signals does the nervous system use?

  Electrical and chemical signals
• How does the endocrine system differ from the nervous system?

  The endocrine system is based on hormones
• What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

  • To collect, process, and respond to information
  • To coordinate the working of different organs and cells
• Into how many subsystems is the nervous system divided?

  Two subsystems
• What are the two subsystems of the nervous system?

  • Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

  The brain and spinal cord
• What is the role of the brain in the CNS?

  It is the center of all conscious awareness
• How thick is the cerebral cortex?

  Only 3 mm thick
• How does the brain's outer layer relate to its function?

  It covers the brain like an orange peel
• In which type of animals is the cerebral cortex found?

  Only in mammals
• What distinguishes human brains from those of other animals?

  Highly developed neural functions
• Which creatures lack a brain?

  Sponges, sea squirts, jellyfish
• What are the two hemispheres of the brain?

  • The left hemisphere
  • The right hemisphere
• What is the spinal cord's relationship to the brain?

  It is an extension of the brain
• What does the spinal cord do?

  It transmits messages to and from the brain
• What reflex actions does the spinal cord facilitate?

  Reflex actions like pulling away from heat
• What are the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
  • Somatic nervous system (SNS)
• What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) govern?


  Vital functions in the body
• What is the role of the somatic nervous system (SNS)?

  Controls voluntary movements
• What are the two main components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

  • Sympathetic nervous system
  • Parasympathetic nervous system
• What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

  Prepares the body for stress
• What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

  Calms the body after stress
• What is the function of the nervous system overall?

  • Collects information
  • Processes information
  • Responds to information
  • Coordinates organ and cell functions
• What does the PNS stand for?

  Peripheral Nervous System
• What is the primary function of the PNS?

  It passes messages to and from the CNS
• What are the cells in the PNS called?

  Nerve cells or neurons
• How is the peripheral nervous system subdivided?

  Into the autonomic and somatic nervous systems
• What functions does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) govern?

  • Breathing
  • Heart rate
  • Digestion
  • Sexual arousal
  • Stress responses
• What is the role of the endocrine system?

  It works alongside the nervous system
• How does the endocrine system affect the body?

  It controls vital bodily functions through hormones
• What are glands in the endocrine system responsible for?

  Secreting hormones into the bloodstream
• How do hormones travel in the body?

  They travel through the bloodstream to cells
• How does the ANS interact with the endocrine system during stress?

  Both systems work together to manage stress responses
• What is the focus of the text provided?

  The structure and function of synaptic transmission
• What happens to the ANS during a stressful event?

  It changes from resting to an aroused state
• What are the types of neurons mentioned in the text?

  Rons and synaptic transmission
• What is the hypothalamus's role in stress response?

  It activates the pituitary gland
• What is chemical transmission in the context of the text?

  Transmission of signals between neurons