biopsych Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the divisions of the nervous system?
Central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic)
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes all other neural elements.
What are the types of neurons and their functions?
Sensory, relay, and motor neurons
Sensory neurons transmit sensory information, relay neurons connect different neurons, and motor neurons send signals to muscles.
What is synaptic transmission?
The process of neurotransmitters facilitating communication between neurons, involving excitation and inhibition
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.
What is the function of the endocrine system?
Glands and hormones
The endocrine system regulates various bodily functions through the secretion of hormones from glands.
What is the fight or flight response?
A physiological reaction to perceived danger involving the release of adrenaline
This response prepares the body to either confront or flee from threats.
What is localisation of function in the brain?
The theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions
Key areas include motor, somatosensory, visual, auditory, and language centres.
What are Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas responsible for?
Broca’s area is involved in speech production; Wernicke’s area is involved in language comprehension
Damage to these areas can lead to different types of aphasia.
What is split brain research?
Research examining the effects of severing the corpus callosum, which connects the brain’s hemispheres
This research has provided insights into lateralisation of brain function.
What is brain plasticity?
The brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experience or injury
Functional recovery after trauma is a key aspect of brain plasticity.
What are the ways of studying the brain?
Scanning techniques: fMRI, EEGs, ERPs, and post-mortem examinations
Each technique provides different insights into brain function and structure.
What does fMRI stand for?
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
fMRI measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.
What are biological rhythms?
Circadian, infradian, and ultradian rhythms
These rhythms are patterns of biological activity that occur over varying time scales.
What is the difference between circadian, infradian, and ultradian rhythms?
Circadian rhythms last about 24 hours; infradian rhythms last longer than 24 hours; ultradian rhythms last shorter than 24 hours
Examples include the sleep-wake cycle (circadian) and menstrual cycle (infradian).
What are endogenous pacemakers?
Internal biological clocks that regulate rhythms
They play a crucial role in maintaining circadian rhythms.
What are exogenous zeitgebers?
External cues that influence biological rhythms
Examples include light and social activities that can affect the sleep/wake cycle.
