Biopsychology

• What is the function of neurons?

  Enable communication within the nervous system
• What are the main structural components of a neuron?

  Cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath
• What is the role of dendrites in a neuron?

  • Receive information from other neurons
  • Carry functional information towards the cell body
• What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

  • Contains genetic material
  • Integrates information from dendrites
  • Sends action potential if signal is strong enough
• What does the axon do in a neuron?

  • Carries messages away from the cell body
• What is the purpose of the myelin sheath?

  • Insulates the axon
  • Prevents signal degradation
• What are the nodes of Ranvier and their function?

  • Gaps in the myelin sheath
  • Speed up transmission by allowing impulse jumps
• What are axon terminals and their role?

  • Located at the end of axons
  • Make synaptic connections with other cells
• What is synaptic transmission?

  Process of transmitting messages between neurons
• How does an action potential trigger synaptic transmission?

  It causes the release of neurotransmitters
• What happens to neurotransmitters after they are released?

  • They diffuse across the synapse
  • Bind with receptors on the post-synaptic membrane
• What is the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

  Make it less likely for the post-synaptic cell to fire
• What is the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters?

  Make it more likely for the post-synaptic cell to fire
• What determines whether an action potential is produced?

  • The summation of excitatory and inhibitory inputs
• What happens if inhibitory inputs exceed excitatory inputs?

  Inhibits an action potential from occurring
• What happens if excitatory inputs exceed inhibitory inputs?

  Leads to an action potential occurring
• How are neurotransmitters removed from the synaptic gap?

  • Reuptake into the pre-synaptic neuron
  • Broken down by enzymes
• What is the function of sensory neurons?

  Carry messages from sense organs to the brain
• What is the structure of sensory neurons?

  • Long dendrites
  • Short axons
• What is the function of relay neurons?

  Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons
• What is the structure of relay neurons?

  • Short dendrites
  • Short axons
• What is the function of motor neurons?

  Connect the CNS to effectors like muscles
• What is the structure of motor neurons?

  • Short dendrites
  • Long axons
• What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

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

  • Brain
  • Spinal cord
• What are the functions of the brain?

  • Coordinates vital body functions
  • Involved in higher order thinking
• What is the function of the spinal cord?

  • Passes information to and from the brain
  • Connects nerves to the PNS
• What are the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

  • Somatic nervous system
  • Autonomic nervous system
• What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

  • Under conscious control
  • Transfers information from receptors to CNS
• What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

  • Operates involuntarily
  • Transfers information from internal organs to CNS
• What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

  • Sympathetic nervous system
  • Parasympathetic nervous system
• What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

  • Activates internal organs during stress
  • Increases heart rate and breathing
• What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  • Involved in rest and digest response
  • Slows down activity of internal organs
• What is the function of the endocrine system?

  • Regulates activity of cells and organs
  • Controls vital physiological processes
• How do glands function in the endocrine system?

  • Release hormones into the bloodstream
  • Hormones act as chemical messages
• What does the pineal gland produce and its function?

  • Produces melatonin
  • Regulates sleep/wake cycle
• What does the thyroid gland produce and its function?

  • Produces thyroxine
  • Increases heart rate and metabolic rates
• What does the adrenal gland produce and its function?

  • Produces adrenaline
  • Causes physiological changes for fight or flight
• What does the pancreas produce and its function?

  • Produces insulin
  • Regulates blood sugar levels
• What do the ovaries produce and its function?

  • Produce oestrogen
  • Controls development of female features