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Psychology > Checkpoint Test 5 > Flashcards

Checkpoint Test 5 Flashcards

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1
Q
A
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2
Q

What are the two main parts of the human nervous system?

A

The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes a network of nerves.

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3
Q

What is the primary function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

A

To process information and dispatch instructions to the rest of the body

This includes regulating vital functions and responding to stimuli.

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4
Q

What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consist of?

A

A network of spinal and cranial nerves

These nerves link to the brain and spinal cord.

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5
Q

How does the PNS communicate changes to the CNS?

A

Via afferent sensory nerves

Sensory receptors in the PNS process internal and external changes.

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6
Q

What are some functions of the brain?

A
  • Regulating body temperature
  • Heart rate
  • Breathing
  • Language production and understanding
  • Coordinating movement
  • Problem-solving and planning

The brain is central to maintaining life.

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7
Q

What part of the brain is responsible for higher-level functions?

A

The cerebral cortex

It is the outer layer of the brain and is involved in memory, thinking, and consciousness.

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8
Q

What role does the spinal cord play in the nervous system?

A

It transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body via the PNS

It ensures communication between the brain and body.

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9
Q

What are the two sections of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

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

The PNS transmits and receives messages throughout the body.

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10
Q

What is the function of the somatic nervous system (SNS)?

A

To transmit and receive messages from the senses apart from sight

Senses like sound, smell, taste, and touch communicate with the brain through the SNS.

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11
Q

How does the SNS control voluntary movements?

A

By directing muscles to move appropriately

Examples include throwing a ball or running out of the way of a car.

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12
Q

What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responsible for?

A

Transmitting and receiving information from the organs

This includes heart rate, breathing, and the stress response.

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13
Q

Is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) voluntary or involuntary?

A

Involuntary

It cannot be controlled consciously.

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14
Q

What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

A
  • Sympathetic nervous system (SPNS)
  • Parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)

Each subdivision has distinct functions related to stress and relaxation.

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15
Q

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SPNS)?

A

To prepare the body for physical activity and the ‘fight or flight’ response

It is activated in response to perceived threats.

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16
Q

What physiological changes occur due to the activation of the SPNS?

A
  • Adrenaline release
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • Widened bronchial passages
  • Pupil dilation
  • Sweating

These changes support the body’s ability to respond to threats.

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17
Q

What is the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) commonly known as?

A

‘Rest and digest’ system

It regulates bodily functions during a state of rest.

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18
Q

What does the PSNS regulate?

A
  • Digestion
  • Urination
  • Heart and breathing rates

It conserves energy and promotes recovery.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: The PSNS slows _______ and lowers blood pressure as the body enters a state of relaxation.

A

heart and breathing rates

This allows the body to recover and enter a ‘standby’ mode.

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20
Q

True or False: The more time spent in a PSNS state, the healthier a person is likely to be.

A

True

A balance between the SNS and PSNS is important for overall health.

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21
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22
Q

What is a hormone?

A

A hormone is a chemical that is secreted by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream which then distributes it around the body

Hormones are key regulators of various physiological processes.

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23
Q

Which gland regulates hormones?

A

The pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the hypothalamus in the brain.

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24
Q

How do hormones act compared to neurotransmitters?

A

Hormones act slowly, while neurotransmitters act fast

Hormones may take years to fully have an effect.

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25
What are the male and female sex hormones?
Testosterone (male) and oestrogen (female) ## Footnote These hormones control primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
26
What key milestones do testosterone and oestrogen regulate?
* Puberty * Sperm production (testosterone) * Menstrual cycle and menopause (oestrogen) ## Footnote These milestones are crucial for sexual development and reproduction.
27
What is the function of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)?
Triggers the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and androgens ## Footnote ACTH plays a role in stress response.
28
What role does the Follicle-stimulating hormone play?
Plays a role in sexual development and reproduction in both males and females ## Footnote It is crucial for reproductive health.
29
What does Luteinising hormone encourage?
Encourages ovulation and hormones needed to support pregnancy ## Footnote Luteinising hormone is essential for female reproductive processes.
30
What is the function of Oxytocin?
Secreted during childbirth, encourages attachment between mother and baby ## Footnote Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone'.
31
What does Thyroid-stimulating hormone trigger?
Triggers the release of thyroxine, which regulates the body's metabolism ## Footnote Thyroxine is critical for metabolic processes.
32
What is the function of Melatonin?
Regulates the sleep/wake cycle and is sensitive to light levels ## Footnote Melatonin helps maintain circadian rhythms.
33
What is cortisol commonly known as?
The stress hormone ## Footnote Cortisol is secreted during times of anxiety and tension.
34
What is adrenaline active during?
The fight-or-flight response to danger ## Footnote Adrenaline prepares the body to respond to stress.
35
What is the role of insulin?
Helps blood sugar enter the body's cells so it can be used for energy ## Footnote Insulin is vital for regulating blood sugar levels.
36
What stimulates the adrenal medulla during stress, fear, or excitement?
The neurons of the sympathetic nervous system ## Footnote This stimulation leads to the secretion of adrenaline.
37
What is adrenaline?
A hormone that prepares the body to deal with fear, stress, or excitement ## Footnote Adrenaline plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response.
38
Give an example of a situation that might trigger adrenaline secretion.
Examples include: * Walking home at night and hearing footsteps behind you * Preparing to perform onstage * Waiting outside an office for an interview ## Footnote These situations induce stress or excitement, prompting the body to react.
39
What is the heightened reaction produced by adrenaline called?
The ‘fight or flight’ response ## Footnote This response refers to the body's instinctive reaction to perceived danger, allowing either confrontation or escape.
40
What happens when a ‘danger’ signal is detected by the senses?
Several mechanisms are triggered, including the release of adrenaline and ATP ## Footnote ATP provides a short-lived, intense surge of power for quick movement.
41
What role does adrenaline play in the body?
It binds to receptors on target organs and increases heart rate ## Footnote This helps supply blood to muscle cells rapidly.
42
What is one of the targets of adrenaline in the heart?
The SAN (sinoatrial node) ## Footnote This leads to an increased frequency of heart excitations.
43
What physiological change occurs due to adrenaline when blood supply increases?
More oxygen and glucose become available for muscle cells ## Footnote This increases the rate of aerobic respiration.
44
What stimulates the cardiovascular control center in the medulla oblongata?
Adrenaline ## Footnote This action increases impulses along sympathetic neurons affecting the heart.
45
What happens to blood vessels to less important organs during the fight or flight response?
They constrict to divert more blood to critical organs ## Footnote Organs involved in the response receive prioritized blood flow.
46
What is the blood flow status to the brain during stress?
It remains constant ## Footnote The brain requires a steady blood supply to function properly.
47
List some physiological changes brought about by the fight or flight response.
* Increased heart rate * Dry mouth * Increased sweating * Dilated pupils * Increased breathing rate ## Footnote These changes prepare the body to handle a perceived threat.
48
What might someone feel after the fight or flight response has passed?
Exhausted, sick, or ravenously hungry ## Footnote This is due to the energy released during the response.
49
What can happen if the energy from the fight or flight response is not used?
It can lead to stress and other long-term health conditions ## Footnote People with high anxiety may live in a constant state of fight or flight.
50
51
What are neurons?
Cells which exist within the nervous system ## Footnote Neurons are the building blocks of communication within the body.
52
What is the primary function of neurons?
To send electrical and chemical messages around the body ## Footnote This is essential for sensing organs, glands, and other organs.
53
What does the central nervous system (CNS) do?
Processes information directed from neurons ## Footnote It receives input from sensory neurons and sends signals to motor neurons.
54
What are the main components of a neuron?
Cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, terminal knobs ## Footnote Each part plays a role in the transmission of electrical signals.
55
What is the role of the cell body in a neuron?
Contains the nucleus where the DNA of the neuron is stored
56
What do dendrites do?
Carry electrical charges from one neuron to the next ## Footnote They resemble tree branches.
57
What is the function of the axon?
Carries electrical charge down the length of the neuron
58
What is the myelin sheath?
A protective fatty layer covering the axon ## Footnote It has gaps called Nodes of Ranvier that speed up message transmission.
59
What are the Nodes of Ranvier?
Gaps in the myelin sheath that speed up transmission
60
What are terminal knobs?
Found at the end of the neuron; communicate across the synaptic cleft
61
What are the three main types of neurons?
Sensory neurons, motor neurons, relay neurons
62
What is the role of sensory neurons?
Send information from the PNS towards the CNS
63
How do sensory neurons transmit messages?
One way only, like a one-way street
64
What are the characteristics of sensory neurons?
Long dendrites, short axons, cell body usually to the side
65
What is the role of motor neurons?
Carry signals from the CNS toward organs, muscles, and glands
66
How do motor neurons transmit messages?
Both transmit and receive messages, like a two-way street
67
What do motor neurons control?
Physical movements such as contraction/relaxation of muscles
68
What are the characteristics of motor neurons?
Short dendrites and long axons
69
What is the role of relay neurons?
Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons
70
Where are relay neurons located?
In the CNS
71
How do relay neurons transmit messages?
Both transmitted and received, like a two-way street
72
What are the characteristics of relay neurons?
Short axons and short dendrites

Psychology (7 decks)

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