biophsycholoy Flashcards
what is the nervous system
consists of the CNS and the peripheral nervous system. communicates using electrical and chemical impulses
what is the brains function
receives signals from senses
centre of all conscious awareness, brains outer layer (cerebral cortex) only 3mm thick and covers the brain. divided into two hemispheres
what is the function of the spinal cord
an extension of the brain, passing messages to and from the brain, it connects nerves to the peripheral nervous system
is responsible for reflex actions
what are the 4 main regions of the brain
occipital lobe- processes visual info
temporal lobe- auditory info
parietal lobe- info from diff sense and spacial navigation
frontal lobe- higher order functions- planning, reasoning and logic
what are the two parts that the peripheral nervous system divides into
somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system
what does the somatic nervous system do
maintains communication between CNS and outside world
voluntary actions occur
connects to external senses eg sight and touch
what does the somatic nervous system consist of
sensory receptors- carry into to spinal cord and brain
motor pathways- allow brain to control movement
what is the autonomic nervous system
automatic
involuntary actions eg breathing
what does the autonomic nervous system consist of
2 motor pathways : sympathetic NS
parasympathetic NS
( work against each other - antagonistic)
what does the sympathetic nervous system do
responses that prepare the body for flight or fight - increases heart rate blood pressure dilates pupils
what does the parasympathetic nervous system do
maintains and conserves body energy - inhibits increasedheart rate
constructs pupils
what are some examples of what the sympathetic system does
decreases digestion, inhibits saliva production, increases heart rate, increase urination
dilation of pupils , dilates bronchi
what are examples of the parasympathetic system
increases digestion, stimulates saliva, decreases heart rate, stimulates bile production , decreased urination , constricts dilation
how does the fight or flight response take place
hypothalamus in brain
activates the autonomic nervous system on sympathetic branch
activates the adrenal medulla
release of adrenaline and noradrenaline
body ready for flight or fight
PNS activates to return body back to normal
how does longer term stress happen
hypothalamus
CRF released into bloodstream
activates pituitary gland
release of ACTH
activates the adrenal cortex
release of corticosteroids (eg cortisol)
