biopsychology: nervous system and endocrine system

Question 1

What is the nervous system?

Answer 1

A specialised network of cells in the human body and our primary communication system

Question 2

What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

Answer 2

• To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
• To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 3

What are the two sub-systems of the nervous system?

Answer 3

• The central nervous system (CNS)
• The peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 4

What is the role of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 4

Passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the peripheral nervous system

Question 5

What are the two main components of the CNS?

Answer 5

• The brain
• The spinal cord

Question 6

What is the function of the brain in the CNS?

Answer 6

Centre of all conscious awareness

Question 7

What distinguishes human higher mental functions from those of animals?

Answer 7

The brains outer layer, the cerebral cortex, which is highly developed in humans

Question 8

How many hemispheres does the brain have?

Answer 8

Two hemispheres

Question 9

What is the spinal cord?

Answer 9

An extension of the brain
responsible for reflex actions

Question 10

What is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Answer 10

Responsible for transmitting messages to and from the central nervous system

Question 11

What are the two main divisions of the PNS?

Answer 11

• Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• Somatic nervous system (SNS)

Question 12

What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) do?

Answer 12

Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs and governs vital functions

Question 13

What vital functions does the ANS govern?

Answer 13

• Breathing
• Heart rate
• Sexual arousal
• Digestion
• Stress response

Question 14

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 14

• Sympathetic nervous system
• Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 15

Is the autonomic nervous system voluntary or involuntary?

Answer 15

Involuntary

Question 16

What type of pathways does the autonomic nervous system have?

Answer 16

Only motor pathways

Question 17

What is the role of the somatic nervous system?

Answer 17

Transmits sensory information from the body to the brain/CNS and controls voluntary movements

Question 18

What does the somatic nervous system control?

Answer 18

Muscle movement

Question 19

Is the somatic nervous system under conscious control?

Answer 19

Yes

Question 20

What type of pathways does the somatic nervous system have?

Answer 20

Has sensory and motor pathways

Question 21

TRUE OR FALSE: the ANS only has sensory pathways

Answer 21

FALSE > it only has motor pathways

Question 22

What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

Answer 22

To help regulate the activity of cells and organs in the body > it communicates chemical messages to the organs of the body

Question 23

How does the endocrine system communicate with the body?

Answer 23

By instructing glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream > hormones are carried towards target organs in the body

Question 24

What do glands produce?

Answer 24

Hormones

they are secreted into the bloodstream and affect any cells in the body that have a receptor for that particular hormone

Question 25

What hormone does the thyroid gland produce and what are its functions?

Answer 25

**Thyroxine** > It aids heart and digestive functioning, **metabolism**, brain development, bone health, and muscle control.

Question 26

What is the function of adrenaline produced by the adrenal gland?

Answer 26

Triggers the **fight or flight response** > It increases heart rate, breathing rate, and contracts blood vessels.

Question 27

What do the testes produce and what does it control?

Answer 27

**Testosterone** > It controls the** development of male physical features** and is involved in the development of the masculine gender.

Question 28

What is the flight or fight response?

Answer 28

The body's **automatic response** to a perceived stress > **controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System** (ANS) in combination with the endocrine system.

Question 29

What triggers the **sympathetic branch** of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 29

Perceived stressor > This moves the body from a **resting state (parasympathetic)** to an **arousal state (sympathetic).**

Question 30

Where is adrenaline released from during the fight or flight response?

Answer 30

**Adrenal medulla** > part of the adrenal gland

Question 31

What physiological changes does adrenaline trigger in the body?

Answer 31

* Increased heart rate * increased breathing rate * dry mouth * sweaty palms * dilated pupils

Question 32

What happens to the body once the threat has passed?

Answer 32

The parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to resting state > This helps to gradually **restore normal physiological functions.**

Question 33

What are the direct effects of adrenaline on the body?

Answer 33

Increases blood flow to the brain and skeletal muscle for physical action increased respiration which increases oxygen to the brain for rapid response planning