biopscyhology Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the role of the nervous system?
It coordinates actions by transmitting signals to and from different parts of the body.
What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of and what is its function?
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord; it handles complex processing and decision-making.
What is the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) responsible for?
It controls voluntary actions like walking and transmits sensory and motor signals to and from the CNS.
What neurons are involved in the SNS and what do they do?
Motor neurons (send signals from CNS to muscles) and sensory neurons (send signals from body to CNS)
How is the SNS involved in reflex actions?
It can control reflexes without CNS involvement for faster response.
What is the endocrine system?
A network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
What is a hormone?
A chemical messenger that affects target organs.
What is the fight or flight response?
: A physiological response to stress activating the sympathetic branch and the adrenal medulla.
What hormone is released in fight or flight?
Adrenaline.
What happens when the Parasympathetic Nervous System is activated after stress?
the e body returns to resting state (rest and digest).
What are the three types of neurons?
Sensory (to CNS), relay (within CNS), motor (from CNS to effectors).
What is the structure of a neuron?
Dendrites, cell body, axon, myelin sheath, axon terminal.
What is synaptic transmission?
The process of passing a message from one neuron to another across a synapse.
What is a neurotransmitter?
A chemical that transmits signals across the synapse.
: What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?
Excitatory increase the chance of firing; inhibitory decrease it.
hat is localisation of function?
The idea that specific brain areas have specific functions.
What is the motor cortex responsible for?
oluntary movement (located in the frontal lobe).
