10 Science: Psychology Flashcards

Flashcards covering the fundamentals of human psychology including the nervous system divisions, neuron structure, the reflex arc, the endocrine system, and homeostatic feedback loops.

Nervous System

A network of cells and fibres that transmit fast messages between parts of the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The 'control centre' of the nervous system, made of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for interpreting sensory information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerve cells outside the central nervous system that control voluntary and involuntary movements and responses.

Somatic Nervous System

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system responsible for conscious (voluntary) movement.

Autonomic Nervous System

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system responsible for unconscious (involuntary) movement.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the flight-fight-freeze response by raising heart rate and directing blood to major muscle groups.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the 'rest and digest' response, undoing the work of the sympathetic nervous system by slowing heart rate and assisting digestion.

Spinal Cord

Carries sensory and motor information between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

Neurons

Specialised cells that receive and transmit information throughout the nervous system using electrical and chemical signals; humans have approximately $100 \text{ billion}$ of them.

Dendrite

A branch-like extension from the cell body of a neuron that receives information from other neurons.

Axon

A long fibre that carries electrical impulses (nerve impulses or action potentials) away from neurons.

Soma (Cell Body)

The central part of the neuron that processes information received from dendrites and serves as a coordinating centre.

Nucleus

The control centre of the neuron that contains DNA.

Myelin Sheath

A protective insulation layer around the axon that helps signals travel faster.

Axon Terminal

The end of an axon where action potentials are changed into neurotransmitters to be released to the next neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that carry messages across the synapse between neurons.

Synapse

The small gap or junction point between neurons where communication occurs.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that detect stimuli to allow the body to feel sensations, such as heat or touch.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that connect muscles to the brain and control body movements.

Interneurons

Neurons located in the spinal cord that connect motor and sensory neurons to transmit messages.

Reflex Arc

A rapid, automatic, and involuntary response to stimuli intended for protection, typically bypassing the brain by being processed in the spinal cord.

Stimulus

A change in the environment, such as heat or light, that is detected by a receptor.

Effector

The 'actor' in a response, such as a muscle or gland, that produces a behavior or reaction.

Endocrine System

An organ system consisting of glands that use chemical signals called hormones to help maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining stable internal conditions in the body, such as temperature, oxygen levels, blood glucose, and pH.

Gland

A specialised organ or group of cells that secretes hormones for use elsewhere in the body.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that travel through the bloodstream to trigger responses in target cells or organs.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master gland' of the endocrine system; it secretes hormones that control other endocrine glands and regulate growth.

Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that detects changes and links the nervous system to the endocrine system by sending signals to the pituitary gland.

Photoreceptors

Receptors in the eyes that detect light stimuli.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors, such as those on the tongue, that detect chemical stimuli.

Thermoreceptors

Receptors in the skin or brain that detect temperature changes.

Mechanoreceptors

Receptors in the inner ear or skin that detect pressure and movement.

Negative Feedback Loop

A reaction that counteracts a stimulus to decrease a function and return the body to a stable baseline or set point.

Positive Feedback Loop

A reaction that reinforces or increases a function until a specific outcome is reached, such as in childbirth or blood clotting.

Adrenaline

A hormone released by the adrenal glands that triggers the 'fight-or-flight' response during stressful or dangerous situations.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Thyroxine

A hormone that helps regulate metabolism and energy use in the body.

Melatonin

A hormone that helps regulate the circadian rhythm, also known as the sleep cycle.

Cortisol

A hormone released by the adrenal glands that helps the body maintain energy and cope with ongoing (chronic) stress.