Biopsychology Flashcards
(25 cards)
Describe the process of synaptic transmission?
- Electrical impulses (action potentials) reach the presynaptic terminal
- Electrical impulses trigger release of neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitters cross the synapse from vesicles
- Neurotransmitters confine with receptor on the postsynaptic membrane
- Stimulation of postsynaptic receptors by neurotransmitters result in either excitatory or inhibition of the postsynaptic membrane
Describe the divisions of the nervous system
- CNS
- PNS breaks into..
Somatic and Autonomic
Autonomic breaks into.. - Sympathetic
-Parasympathetic
What are the three types of neuron?
Sensory, Reflex and motor
What are excitatory neurotransmitters and whats an example?
Makes a neuron more likely to fire eg acetylcholine and noradrenaline are the nervous systems ‘on switches’
What are inhibitory neurotransmitters and whats an example?
Decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing eg serotonin and GABA are the nervous systems ‘off switches’ often calm the body down
What is the endocrine system?
A network of glands throughout the body that manufacture and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones
What are hormones?
The bodys chemical messengers that travel in the bloodstream, influencing many different bodily processes eg mood
What do the hormones do?
Regulate the activity of cells or organs in the body
What are the major glands in the endocrine system?
- Pituitary gland
- Adrenal gland
-Reproductives organs
What is the role of the hypothalamus in regards to the pituitary gland?
It sends a signal to the pituitary gland in the form of a releasing hormone, this causes the pituitary gland to secrete a ‘stimulating hormone’ into the bloodstream. The hormone then signals the target gland
Why do target cells only respond to particular hormones?
They have receptors for that hormone
What are the two main parts of the pituitary gland?
The anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary
What hormones does the anterior pituitary release?
ACTH- as a response to stress
LH and FSH- stimulates ovaries and testes
What hormone does the posterior pituitary release?
Oxytocin- stimulates contractions of the uterus during birth and is important for mother and infant bonding
What does the adrenal gland divide into?
The adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla
What hormones does the adrenal cortex produce?
- Cortisol, regulates a variety of bodily functions eg cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory functions : low cortisol levels can lead to low blood pressure, poor immune system and the inability to function with stress
-Aldosterone, maintains blood volume + pressure
What hormones does the adrenal medulla release?
- Adrenaline and noradrenaline, prepare the body for fight or flight : adrenaline helps body respond to stressful situations, noradrenaline constricts blood vessels, causing blood pressure to increase
When does fight or flight occur?
In a stressful situation, it acts as a survival mechanism: increasing heart rate, breathing rate etc
What is the amygdala’s role in fight or flight?
Sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus (functioning like a command in the brain which communicates to the rest of the body).
How does fight or flight prepare the body for acute stressors?
The sympathetic nervous system is triggered and begins to prepare the body for the rapid action necessary for fight or flight. The SNS sends a signal through the adrenal medulla which then releases adrenaline. The parasympathetic branch then dampens down the stressor when the threat has passed.
How does the body respond to chronic stressors?
The HPA axis- the hypothalamus (H) releases CHR into the bloodstream as a response to the stressor, CHR causes the pituitary gland (P) to produce and release ACTH which is transported in the bloodstream to its target site –> the adrenal glands (A) where ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release various stress related hormones eg cortisol
who came up with the tend and befriend response?
Taylor et al (2000)
What does the tend and befriend response suggest?
Females behavioural responses to stress involve them protecting themselves and their young through nurturing behaviours + forming alliances - women have a higher level of oxytocin
What did Lee and Harley find?
Found evidence of a genetic basis for gender differences in fight or flight- the SRY gene found exclusively on the male Y chromosome directs males towards aggression - fight or flight release this. Women do not have this gene so therefore do not react the same way.
