The Biological Approach

Question 1

The nervous system structure

Answer 1

Central nervous system - Brain and Spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system - Autonomic NS and Somatic NS
- Sympathetic NS and Parasympathetic NS

Question 2

Neurotransmitter process

Answer 2

When a nerve impulse reaches the end of a neuron, a neurotransmitter is released. This travels from one neuron to the next across the synapse. Excitatory neurotransmitters trigger nerve impulses in the receiving neuron and stimulate the brain into action. Inhibitory neurotransmitters inhibit nerve impulses in order to calm the brain and balance mood. Dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter associated with our motivation. Serotonin is an inhibitory transmitter needed to maintain a stable mood.

Question 3

Hormones

Answer 3

Hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine glands such as the pituitary gland, which together make up the endocrine system.
In response to a signal from the brain, hormones are secreted directly into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands, where they travel to target cells. They then stimulate receptors on the surface of or inside cells. The presence of a hormone causes a psychological reaction in the cell, altering it’s activity.

Question 4

The brain

Answer 4

The largest part is the cerebrum.
The outer surface of the cerebrum is the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for many of the higher order functions such as thought and language.
The cerebrum is divided into two halves known as hemispheres with each one divided further into four lobes.