Biopsychology AO1 Flashcards
(13 cards)
Name the two main functions of the nervous system.
- Collect, process and respond to information in the environment
- To co-ordinate different organs and cells in the body
Name the two sub-sections of the nervous system.
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Name the two main parts of the central nervous system.
- The brain
- The spinal cord
What’s the main function of the peripheral nervous system?
Transmit messages to and from the CNS
What are the two sub-sections of the peripheral nervous system and their general functions?
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS): controls vital functions
- Somatic nervous system (SNS): controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors
What are the two sub-sections of the autonomic nervous system?
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system
Describe the function of the sympathetic nervous system and the changes in the sympathetic state.
- Responsible for the “fight or flight” response
- Increased heart rate and breathing rate
- Dilated pupils: to enhance vision
- Inhibited digestion: to conserve energy
Describe the function of the parasympathetic nervous system and the changes in the parasympathetic state.
- Helps the body conserve energy and maintain homeostasis after a threat has passed
- Decreased heart rate and breathing rate
- Constricted pupils
- Stimulates digestion
What is the function of the endocrine system?
To release hormones and regulate body functions
Describe the hormone that is released by the thyroid gland.
Thyroxine - increases the rate of metabolic reactions
What is a neuron?
A nerve cell
Name the 3 types of neurons and their function.
Motor neuron: receives information from the CNS and sends it to muscles and glands, responsible for movements
Sensory neuron: receives information from receptors and sends it to the CNS, it turns external stimuli into signals
Relay neurons (interneurons): connects sensory and motor neurons
