Neurobiology Module 4

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Comprised of the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System, responsible for transmitting sensory information and regulating automatic body functions.

Somatic Nervous System

Conveys sensory information to the CNS and transmits messages for motor movement from the CNS to the body.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates automatic behaviors of the body, divided into the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for rigorous activity through increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, known as the "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Facilitates nonemergency responses, decreases functions increased by the sympathetic nervous system, and dominates during relaxed states.

Phrenology

The process of relating skull anatomy to behavior, one of the first ways to study the brain, but yielded inaccurate results.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT scan)

Involves injecting dye into the blood and passing x-rays through the head to construct an image using a computer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses a powerful magnetic field to image the brain, a noninvasive method to record brain activity.

Brain-to-Body Ratio

Research shows a moderate correlation between IQ and brain size, with grey and white matter also playing a role.

Brain Differences

Men have larger brains than women, but IQ levels are similar, with variations in specific brain structures like the left/right cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala.