Biopsychology Flashcards
Name and briefly outline two divisions of the human nervous system
The nervous system is divided into two subdivisions which are the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The CNS is made up of the spinal cord and the brain. The PNS transmits messages via millions of neurons to and from the CNS. The PNS is further divided into the autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system
Identify and describe two glands of the endocrine system
The thyroid gland and the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine which which affects cells in the heart by increasing heart rate. It also affects cells throughout the body to increase metabolic rate which in turn affects growth rates. The pituitary gland is located in the brain. It is called the master gland because it controls the release oh hormones from all the other endocrine glands in the body.
Briefly outline two hormones and explain the function of each of these
The stress hormone adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body, such as increased heart rate, which creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response. Thyroxine affects cells in the heart by increasing heart rate. It also affects cells throughout the body to increase metabolic rate which in turn affects growth rates.
Using an example explain what is meant by the fight or flight response
The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event or a stressor, such as upcoming exams.
How do the ANS and the endocrine system work together to produce the fight or flight response
When a stressor is perceived, such as upcoming exams, the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.. Adrenaline is then released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream. The adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body such as increased heart rate
Briefly explain the process of synaptic transmission
Synaptic transmission is a method of neurons communicating with each other, relaying information to the CNS across sensory neurons and carrying out responses dictated by the brain through sending information to effectors via motor neurons.
