Biopsychology

Nervous System AO1 - Structure

Specialised network of cells, based on electrical and chemical signals. It collects, processes and reponds to info in the environment and coordinates the working off different cells and organs in the body.

Nervous System AO1 - Definitions

CNS – Brain and Spinal cord. All complex commands and decisions.

PNS – Sends messages from CNS to muscles, glands.

SNS – Sends information from receptor cells in sense organs to CNS. Receives info from CNS that directs muscles to act.

ANS – Transmits info to and from internal organs involuntarily. 2 divisions (sympathetic/parasympathetic).

Endocrine System AO1 - Structure

Glands instructed to release hormones into bloodstream, carried towards target organs. Works alongside nervous system to control vital bodily functions. Causes slower, gradual, longer effects.

Endocrine System AO1 - Definitions

Gland – Organ that synthesises substances e.g. hormones.

Hormone – Biochemical substance that circulates through bloodstream affecting target organs. Strong and large quantity produced quickly, quickly dissipates.

Fight/Flight – Stress response, triggers adrenal glands to release adrenaline. Gives readiness to fight/flee an aggressor.

Adrenaline – Hormone released by adrenal glands, part of immediate stress response system. Strongly affects cardiovascular system’s cells (stimulates heart rate, contract blood vessels, dilate air passages).

Fight/Flight Response - AO1

Combinations of endocrine/ANS. Body recieves stressor, hypothalmus activates pituitary gland, triggers sympathetic response. Adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into blood (acute response)

Sympathetic state: + heart rate, + breathing rate, dilated pupils, - digestion, - salivation, contracts rectum.

Stressor passes = parasympathetic system returns body to resting state.

Parasympathetic state: - heart rate, -breathing rate, constricted pupils, + digestion, + salivation, relaxes rectum.

Synaptic Transmission AO1

Signals transmitted chemically between synapses. Neurotransmitters released from vesicles in presynaptic neuron terminal.
Cross gap, converts back into electrical impulses at postsynaptic receptor sites on dendrites.
Can cause inhibition (negative charge, less likely to fire e.g. serotonin) and excitation (positive charge, more likely to fire e.g. adrenaline)
Fires depending on summation (overall charge).

Holisitc & Localisation theory AO1

H - Functions are distributed across the whole brain
L - Specific areas of the brain control different functions.
Cerebral Cortex - Outer Layer of each hemisphere
Motor Cortex (frontal lobe) -