Year 11 Psychology ATAR Exam Study Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts in biological psychology, the nervous system, brain functions, and psychological development.

Biological Psychology

The study of the biological basis of behavior and mental processes, focusing on the brain and central nervous system.

Central nervous system (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord, it receives and processes sensory information and coordinates responses.

Brain

The control center for sensation, intellectual activity, and nervous activity, made of soft nervous tissue.

Spinal Cord

A bundle of nerve fibers that connects nearly all parts of the body to the brain.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

All nerves outside of the CNS that transmits sensory and motor impulses to and from the brain.

Somatic system

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS.

Sensory Neurons (Afferent)

Nerve cells activated by sensory input that carry messages to the CNS.

Motor Neurons (Efferent)

Nerve cells that transmit impulses from the CNS to muscles, directly controlling movements.

Afferent vs Efferent

Afferent carries information to the CNS, while Efferent carries motor information away from the CNS.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary body functions and reactions.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the ANS that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Branch of the ANS that conserves energy and calms the body after arousal.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by neurons that transmit signals across synapses to other neurons.

Myelin sheath

Fatty tissue that insulates axons and enhances the speed of neural transmission.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Soma (cell body)

Part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles essential for cell function.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Hindbrain

The region of the brain that controls basic life functions, including the medulla and cerebellum.

Medulla

Part of the hindbrain that regulates involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Cerebellum

Part of the hindbrain that coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Midbrain

Contains structures involved in levels of arousal and attention.

Forebrain

Includes structures important for cognition and emotion, such as the hypothalamus and thalamus.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Regulates bodily functions like temperature, hunger, and circulatory rhythms.

Left Hemisphere

Responsible for language production, analytical thinking, and controlling the right side of the body.

Right Hemisphere

Controls the left side of the body and is involved in artistic and spatial tasks.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information related to touch and spatial awareness.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and is involved in memory and emotion.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing and interpretation.