Flashcards
Biopsychology
Cards in this deck (7)
- 1Describe the key features of the nervous system.The nervous system is a specialised network of cells and our primary communication system. It has two main functions: 1)To collect, process and respond to information in the environment. 2)To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body. Its divided into the CNS and PNS.
- 2Describe the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS).The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is the centre of all conscious awareness. The outer layer is the cerebral cortex and it's what distinguishes our higher mental functions from animals. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is responsible for reflex actions. It passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS.
- 3Describe the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).The PNS transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the nervous system. It's further divided into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system (SNS). ANS governs vital functions in the body e.g. breathing, heart rate. SNS controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors. ANS is further divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic NS.
- 4What is the endocrine system?The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body through the action of hormones. It works much more slowly than the nervous system but has widespread and powerful effects.
- 5Whats are glands and what is the main gland?Glands are organs in the body that produce hormones. The major endocrine gland is the pituitary gland, located in the brain. It controls the release of hormones from all other glands in the body.
- 6What are hormones and give an example?Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any blood cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone. An example is thyroxine produced in the thyroid gland which affects cells in the heart and also cells throughout the body which increase metabolic rate. This in turn affects growth rate.
- 7Give an example of when the ANS and endocrine system work together and explain.Flight or fight response which occurs when there's a stressful event. When a stressor is perceived the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS. The ANS changes from its resting state (parasympathetic) to physiologically aroused sympathetic state. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream which triggers physiological changes (increased heart rate, pupil dilation, inhibits digestion). Once the threat has passed the parasympathetic NS returns the body to resting state.
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- A level Psychology (Biopsychology ) Flashcards on Biopsychology, created by Lydia Helliwell on 23/11/2017.
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- Lydia Helliwell
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