exam study Flashcards
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Sensory (afferent) neuron role
Detects energy from the external environment and stimulation from the internal environment and carries that information to the CNS
Motor (efferent) neuron role
Carry commands from the brain to the muscles, organs and glands to enable movement
Interneuron role
Carry information directly between sensory and motor neurons. Involved in reflex actions.
Somatic NS
Involved in all voluntary movement, carry sensory information about the world and initiating motor movements in response
Autonomic NS
Controls actions of certain organs and glands without our conscious control, includes sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric NS.
Spinal reflex
An unconscious, involuntary and automatically occurring response to certain stimuli without any involvement of the brain.
Spinal reflex process
A sensory neuron detects the message and relays the message to the spinal cord, an interneuron passes the message to a motor neuron, a motor response then follows
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messages passed across the synaptic gap from the pre-synaptic neuron to the post-synaptic neuron
Glutamate role
The main excitatory neurotransmitter, aids in the fast transmission of neural information, essential for memory formation
GABA role
The main inhibitory neurotransmitter, slows neural transmission, and has a calming effect on the brain.
Neuromodulators
Chemical messages released from a neuron that affect a large number of neurons at the same time
Dopamine
Responsible for a variety of excitatory actions including smooth, coordinated movements, motivating behaviour in pursuit of reward. Known to have an effect on our mood, memory, sleep and concentration.
Serotonin
An inhibitory neuromodulator produced in the CNS and intestines. Regulates mood, sleep and responses to pain. Low levels are linked to anxiety, depression and sleep issues.
Structural changes synaptic plasticity
-Growth of new synaptic connections (sprouting)
-The pruning away of existing connections (pruning
-A change in the number of receptors on a post-synaptic neuron.
Functional changes synaptic plasticity
-Changes in the ability of the post-synaptic neuron to be excited by neurotransmitters
-Changes to the amount of neurotransmitters released by the pre-synaptic neuron
Sprouting
The growth of additional branches on axons or dendrites to enable new connections
Rerouting
When an undamaged neuron loses its connection with a damaged neuron so forms a new connection with another undamaged neuron.
Stress
The response a person experiences when confronted with a threatening or challenging situation
Where is cortisol produced
Adrenal glands
Explanatory power
The ability of a theory/model to explain a subject matter effectively
Strengths of the GAS model
-Makes the important connection between stress and increased risk of illness
-Identifies biological processes dependent on the stage of stress
Limitations of the GAS model
-Does not account for individual differences
-Does not consider cognitive factors
-The model was primarily based on research conducted using animals
Strengths of Lazarus folkmans
-Focuses on psychological influences on how we react to a stressor
-Emphasises individual nature of stress responses
-Developed with reference to humans
-Views stress as involving an interaction with the environment where the person has an active rather than passive role
Limitations of Lazarus folkmans
-Difficult to test with experimental research due to subjectivity
-Primary and secondary appraisals can interact or be undertaken simultaneously
-There is doubt we need to appraise something as being stressful for it to cause stress
-People may not be able to identify all the factors causing them stress
-Does not address physiological responses to stress