Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

y12 psych > Unit 3 AOS 1 > Flashcards

Unit 3 AOS 1 Flashcards

How does the nervous system enable psychological functioning?

1
Q

List the 2 major divisions of the nervous system

A

CNS (Central nervous system) + PNS (peripheral nervous system)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the function of the CNS?

A

process info from internal & external environment & formulates responses, receives sensory info -> PNS, sends motor info from PNS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the structure of the CNS and what are they each responsible for?

A

Brain
- regulates & guides the ns
- responsible for higher order functions (e.g. thinking) & vital body functions (e.g. breathing)

spinal cord
- route between brain and body
- afferent & efferent tracts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the function of the PNS?

A

Transmits neural msgs between CNS and body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the structure of the PNS (+ 2 subdivisions) and what are they responsible for?

A

made up of all the neurons outside of brain and spinal cord

Somatic NS
- transmits neural info relating to voluntary motor movement
- afferent & efferent tracts

Autonomic NS
- regulates visceral (self-regulating & connected to skeleton) MOG (muslces organs and glands)
- transmits info on MOG activity to CNS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the 2 subdivisions of the ANS and what are they responsible for?

A

Sympathetic NS
- activates visceral MOG in response to stressor
- e.g. fight flight freeze response

Parasympathetic NS
- counterbalances SNS
- maintains optimal balance of visceral MOG

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Define neuron

A

a nerve cell that receives and transmits neural info

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

List the 2 types of neurons and their function

A

Sensory (afferent)
- transmit neural msgs ab bodily sensations from PNS to CNS

Motor (efferent)
- transmit neural msgs on motor movement from CNS to PNS

Interneurons
- transfer neural msgs between sensory & motor neurons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is a conscious response?

A

deliberate, voluntary brain initiated by brain (CNS) & performed by body (PNS)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

List the step-by-step process for a conscious response

A

sensory receptors detect sensory stimulus -> sensory neural message transmitted via afferent pathways -> SNS -> brain -> spinal cord -> brain processes sensory info (coordinate & initiates motor response) -> motor neural msg trasmitted via efferent pathways -> spinal cord -> SNS -> skeletal muscles where motor movement is carried out

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is an unconscious response?

A

automatic & involuntary actions performed by body independently of brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the 2 types of unconscious responses & explain them

A

Physiological
- sympathetic response (increased heart rate, adrenaline secretion, breathing rate, glucose for energy, pupils dilating 4 more light w better vision & suppressed bodily functions like thirst, digestion,)
- parasympathetic response (e.g. heart rate returning to normal)

Spinal reflex
- automatic response initiated by spinal cord neurons independently of brain
- occurs during pain and survival

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

describe the step by step process for a spinal reflex

A

sensory receptors detect harmful sensory stimulus -> sensory neural message is transmitted via afferent pathways in the SNS -> spinal cord -> interneuron in spinal cord immediately relays sensory signal from sensory neuron -> motor neuron initiating motor response -> motor msg transmitted by motor neurons in SNS -> skeletal muscles that carry out unconscious motor response -> sensory msgs travels via afferent tracts in the spinal cord -> brain, then registeres sensation that triggered spinal reflex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

define the reflex arc

A

path along which the neural signal is transmitted as poart of spinal reflex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What energy do transmissions between neurons (presynaptic -> postsynaptic) use?

A

Chemical energy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What energy do transmissions within neurons use?

A

Electrical energy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

List the structure of a neuron & define each structure

A

Dendrite
- receives incoming neural messages

Soma
- body of the neuron, containing nucleus w genetic material for neuron

Axon
- pathway which neural message travels down

Myelin sheath
- fatty tissue encasing axon to aid in transmission speed

Axon terminals
- exit pathways for neural msgs to transmit to next neuron

Terminal buttons/synaptic knobs
- release neurotransmitters to postsynaptic neuron for communication purposes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is a presynaptic neuron?

A

neuron releasing neurochemicals into neural synapse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is a postsynaptic neuron?

A

neuron receiving neurochemicals from neural synapse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is a neural synapse?

A

region containing axon terminals of presynaptic neuron, synaptic gap & dendrites of postsynaptic neuron

20
Q

Explain what neurochemicals are & list the 2 types

A
  • chemical substance transmitting neural info within NS
  • produced in presynaptic neuron’s axon terminals
  • released from presynaptic neuron’s axon terminals into synaptic gap
  • either trigger/inhibit response on postsynaptic neuron
  • bind to receptor sites on dendrites of postsynaptic neuron

Neurotransmitters & neuromodulators

20
Q

Explain the lock & key analogy

A

neurochemicals are the key and receptor sites are the lock, since specific keys only work on specific locks, therefore specific neurochemicals can only bind on corresponding receptor sites to activate response

21
Q

Explain what neurotransmitters are & the 2 types (give an example for each of the types & describe)

A

chemical molecule that effects 1/2 postsynaptic neurons

  • Glutamate (excitatory): important role in learning & memory thru strengthening synaptic connections in neurons repeatedly activated during learning, causing memories for what has been learnt. Enables synaptic plasticity
  • GABA (inhibitory): prevents overexcitation of neurons thru regulating activation of postsynaptic neurons, can prevent seizures, reduce anxiety
22
Q

Define what an action potential is

A

electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron, enhancing neural transmission thru activating postsynaptic neurons, making it more likely for the effect to happen

23
Explain what neuromodulators are & list 2 examples
- chemical molecule that has an effect on multiple postsynaptic neurons (bigger version of neurotransmitters) Serotonin (inhibitory) and Dopamine (inhibitory & exhibitory)
24
Identify & describe the 2 types of effects of neurochemicals
Inhibitory effect - decreases the likelihood of postsynaptic neuron firing action potential Excitatory effect - increases likelihood of postynaptic neuron firing an action potential
25
Describe the function of the neuromodulator serotonin (3 main roles)
- inhibitory effect - produced in brainstem & travels to almost all of cerebellum 3 main roles: Mood - high levels = improved - balanced = calm, focus, stable, happy - low = devastating effect on mood regulation (e.g. insomnia, anxiety) Sleep - low levels = disrupted circadian rhythm, restlessness & wakefulness @ wrong times Aggression/Impulsivity - low levels = more likely 2 be impulsive, choose immediate reward over delayed potentially larger reward - low levels = affected communication between structures regulating emotions - higher levels = reduced impulsivity, waiting longer for rewards
26
Describe the function of the neuromodulator dopamine (3 main roles)
- involved in drive, motivation & motor movement - both inhibitory & excitatory 3 main roles Thirst & drinking - feelings of pleasure released when drinking liquid, encouraging repeat Hunger & eating - feelings of pleasure released when eating, increasing chances of eating food next time hungry - brain receives signals from hormones indicating hunger Addiction - associated w unhealthy behaviours (e.g. gambling, drinking, smoking) - caused from inability from brain to produce dopamine naturally without behaviour/substance individual is addicted to
27
Define neuroplasticity & list the 2 types
Brain's ability to physically change in response to experience 2 types: Developmental - occurring naturally across lifespan - certain critical periods enable greater developmental plasticity Adaptive - occurs as result of brain damage or trauma - utilising critical periods in developmental plasticity enables greater adaptive plasticity
28
Define synaptic plasticity
the ability of synaptic connections to change over time in response to activity or experience
29
List & explain the 3 mechanisms of synaptic plasticity
Sprouting - ability of dendrites/axons to develop new extensions/brances Rerouting - ability of neuron attached to damaged neuron to create an alternative synaptic connections w undamaged neuron Pruning - elimination of less activated synaptic connections
30
List the 2 processes that synaptic plasticity is fundamental for, and list the 2 forms that underlie it
Fundamental for learning & memory 2 forms underlying it LTP (long term potentiation) & LTD (long term depression
31
Define learning
process of acquiring knowledge, skills, behaviours thru experience
32
define memory
process of encoding, storing, retrieving info previously encountered
33
Explain what LTD (long term depression) is & list its structural changes
- long lasting & experience-dependent weakening of less activated synaptic connections - decreases efficiency of synaptic transmission on that neural pathway - involves pruning Structural changes: - decreased no. of receptor sites on dendrites of postsynaptic neuron - decreased no. of dendrites on postsynaptic neuron - decreased no. of synaptic connections between neurons
34
Explain what LTP (long term potentiation) is & list its structural changes
- long lasting & experience-dependent strengthening of regularly activated synaptic connections to increase efficiency of synaptic transmissions on that neural pathway - involves sprouting Structural changes: - increased no. of receptor sites on dendrites of postsynaptic neuron - bushier dendrites on postsynaptic neuron - increased no. of synaptic connections
35
Define stress
psychological & physiological reaction occurring when an individual encounters something of significance that demands attention/efforts to cope
36
Define stressor & the 2 different types
external/internal stressor prompting stress response Internal: - stimulus from within person's body - e.g. attitude, low self-esteem, nervous system dysfunction - cognitive & biological processes External - Stimulus from outside a person's body that prompts stress response - e.g. test/exam, meeting new people, arguments w ppl - environmental stimuli
37
List & explain the 2 psychological stress responses
Distress - characterized by a negative psychological state - e.g. losing keys to the car Eustress - characterized by a positive psychological state - e.g. offered a place at uni, tho stressful it results in positivity, like feeling motivated and excited for personal growth
38
Define acute stress
characterized by intense psychological & physiological symptoms that are brief in duration
39
Define chronic stress
form of stress that endures for several months or longer
40
Identify the 2 physiological stress responses
fight/flight/freeze response to acute stress & role of cortisol
41
Explain the fight-flight-freeze response to stress
involuntary & automatic response to threat, involving arousal of sympathetic NS (e.g. adrenaline production) Fight: - involves confronting stressor Flight: - involves fleeing from stressor Freeze: - body's immobility and shock in response to stressor
42
Explain the role of cortisol as a stress response & define cortisol
Cortisol: hormone released in times of stress to aid body in initiating and maintaining heightened arousal Role: * increasing blood sugar levels * improving metabolism * energising the body * reducing inflammation
43
What are the negative effects of a prolonged period of stress due to cortisol
- immunosuppression - weakens immune system
44
what is the enteric nervous system a further division of
autonomic nervous system
45
what is the function of the vagus nerve
relays msgs between the gut and brain as part of the gut-brain axis
46
'define the flight fight freeze response
involuntary & automatic response to a stressful stimuli involving fleeing from it, confronting it or freezing in face of it
47

y12 psych (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions