Biopsychology

The nervous system.

Divisions of the nervous system:
- Nervous system divided into CNS and PNS
- CNS: brain and spinal cord
- CNS controls behaviour and regulates physiological processes
The central nervous system:

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Structure and function of neurons:
- Neurons cell body, dendrites and axon
- Sensory neurons carry impulses from sensory receptors to CNS
- Motor neurons form synapses with muscle
- Relay neurons allow sensory and motor neurons to communicate
Synaptic transmission:
- Nerve impulses cross synaptic cleft
- Synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters
- The stimulate receptors on postsynaptic neuron
- Produce excitatory or inhibitory effects
- Excitory effect produces new action potential
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters:
- Excitatory neurotransmitters cause EPSPs (increase likelihood of cell firing)
- Inhibtory neurotransmitters cause IPSPs (decrease likelihood of cell firing)
- Summation of EPSPs and IPSPs determines whether cell fires
- Summation can be spatial or temporal

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Glands and hormones:
- Endocrine glands produce hormones
- Hypothalamus sends releasing hormone to pituitary gland
- Pituitary gland secretes releasing hormone into blood stream
- Hormones stimulate receptors in target cells
Pituitary gland:
- Pituitary controls other endocrine glands
- Releases hormones that influence other glands to release hormones
- Anterior pituitary releases ACTH
- Posterior pituitary releases oxytocin
The adrenal glands:
- Adrenal cortex produces cortisol in response to stress
- Adrenal medualla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline to prepare to fight or flight
Ovaries and testes:
- Ovaries part of female reproductive system; release oestrogen and progesterone
- Testes part of male reproductive system; release testosterone
- Other glands: thyroid gland, parathyroid glands and the pancreas

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