AS Biopsychology

What do human nerve cells do?

Carry messages to and from the brain and the spinal cord to different parts of the body for communication.

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Define the Central Nervous System (CNS) and its job

Comprising of the brain + spinal cord. It controls behaviour + regulation of the body's physiological processes.The brain receives info from sensory receptors (i.e. skin, eyes and ears) and sends messages to the muscles and glands of the body.

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Explain the brain as part of the CNS

Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is divided into 2 hemispheres which are further divided into 4 lobes. 2 hemispheres communicate via the corpus callosum. Temporal lobe-Auditory cortex. Frontal lobe-Motor cortex (problem solving, mood).

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Name and explain the functions of 3 lobes in the brain

Temporal lobe-Auditory cortex (hearing, language + heart rate). Frontal lobe-Motor cortex (problem solving, mood + concentration). Cerebellum- control of sensations (posture, balance + coordination of movement).

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Explain the spinal cord as part of the CNS

Main function is to relay info between the brain and the rest of the body. It connects nerves to the PNS. Its an extension of the brain. It is responsible for the reflex actions such as pulling your hand away from a hot surface.

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Define the Peripehral Nervous System (PNS) and its job

Transmits messages, via neurons to and from the CNS. Divided into 2 subcomponents: Somatic Nervous System- controls muscle movement+transmits info to and from sensory receptors+CNS. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)- governs vital functions (i.e.stress)

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Explain the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and how it is divided

Has two divisions. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)-Stimulates the body for the fight or flight (i.e. inhibits flow of salvia + accelerates heartbeat). Parasympathetic Nervous System-Restores the body to its normal state+ is the rest+digest system.

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Explain the fight or flight response to stress

A threat/stress sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus which sends nerve impulses along the SNS (immediate reactions). Adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline. After the stress has gone the PNS takes the body back into resting state.

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What is the endocrine system?

A system of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers called hormones. ES and the ANS often work in parallel with each other i.e.when faced with a stressful situation. Main gland is the pituitary gland.

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Define the pituitary gland, what controls it and its job

Hormones released from the PG control the secretions of other glands. The PG is controlled by the hypothalamus. The anterior pituitary glands releases ATCH (stress hormone). Its carried around the bloodstream + the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.

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What is cortisol and what are the effects?

Cortisol breaks down fats for more energy when under LT stress. It can include lowering our sensitivity to pain, causing glucose to be released from the liver and lowering our immune responses.It can lead to illnesses such as coronary heart disease.

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Explain the basic structure of neuron's (card 1)

Cell body includes the nucleus (contains genetic material). Branch-like structure called dendrites protrude from the cell body (carry nerve impulses TOWARDS the cell body. Axon carries impulses AWAY from the cell body, it's covered in a fatty layer

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Explain the basic structure of neuron's (card 2)

of myelin sheath= protects the axon + speeds up the electrical transmission. Myeline sheath divided by gaps=nodes of Ranvier that speed up transmission it 'jumping' across the axon gaps. At end of axon terminal buttons communicate with next neuron.

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Define a motor neuron

They have to fire for us to MOVE. Carries messages FROM the CNS to parts of the body such as muscles and glands.

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Define a sensory neuron

They have to fire for us to FEEL. Carries messages TO the CNS from receptors in the body.

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Define a relay neuron

Carry messages FROM sensory neutrons TO motor neurone and other relay neutrons. They analyse the sensation and decide how to respond.

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Explain the synaptic transmission (1)

Nerve impulse travels down an axon + arrives at synaptic terminals. Arrival triggers a release of chemical neurotransmitters. These chemicals diffuse or spread across the synaptic gap to the next neuron. Neurotransmitters are either taken up by the

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What is a synapse and a brief definition of the synaptic transmission

Synapse is the gap between the dendrites + end of one neuron. Synaptic transmission refers to how a message gets across the synaptic gap to the next neuron.

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Explain the synaptic transmission (2)

post synaptic neuron by bonding to specialised receptors, or reabsorbed by the synaptic terminals it was released from; or broken down by enzymes within the synaptic gap to make it inactive.

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Define summation

The net effect of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters.

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Define excitatory neurotransmitters and an example

Increase the firing of the receiving neuron. EG: Dopamine (but can also be inhibitory).

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Define inhibitory neurotransmitters and an example

Decrease the likelihood of the neuron firing. EG: Serotonin, OR Gaba which can only be inhibitory.

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AS Biopsychology

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