Psych 101 Nervous System Organization
38 flashcards covering Psych 101 Nervous System Organization for the PSYCHOLOGY-101 Intro Psych Topics section.
The organization of the nervous system is a fundamental concept in psychology, detailing how the brain and spinal cord interact with the peripheral nervous system to influence behavior and physiological responses. This topic is outlined in the American Psychological Association's guidelines for introductory psychology courses, which emphasize understanding the structure and function of the nervous system as a core component of psychological education.
On practice exams and competency assessments, questions about nervous system organization often focus on identifying the major components, such as the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as their roles in processing information. Common traps include confusing the functions of different types of neurons or misidentifying parts of the nervous system. A frequent oversight among learners is the importance of the autonomic nervous system in regulating involuntary bodily functions, which can impact their understanding of stress responses in clinical scenarios.
Terms (38)
- 01
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
The two main divisions of the nervous system are the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all other neural elements (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 02
What is the role of the central nervous system?
The central nervous system processes information and coordinates responses throughout the body. It integrates sensory information and dictates motor responses (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 03
What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, serving as a communication relay. It includes sensory and motor neurons (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 04
What are the two types of cells in the nervous system?
The two types of cells in the nervous system are neurons, which transmit information, and glial cells, which support and protect neurons (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 05
What is the primary function of neurons?
Neurons are responsible for transmitting information throughout the nervous system via electrical and chemical signals (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 06
How do glial cells support neurons?
Glial cells provide structural support, nourishment, and insulation to neurons, and they also assist in the repair and maintenance of the nervous system (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 07
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It operates unconsciously (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 08
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?
The two branches of the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' activities (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 09
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements by transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 10
What is the significance of the myelin sheath?
The myelin sheath insulates axons, allowing for faster transmission of electrical impulses along the neuron. It is crucial for efficient communication within the nervous system (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 11
What happens during the process of synaptic transmission?
During synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, facilitating communication between neurons (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 12
What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, influencing various physiological and psychological processes (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 13
What is the role of the brainstem?
The brainstem controls basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, and it serves as a pathway for signals between the brain and the spinal cord (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 14
What are the main parts of the brain?
The main parts of the brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, each responsible for different functions such as movement, coordination, and vital processes (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 15
What is the function of the cerebellum?
The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning, ensuring smooth and precise actions (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 16
What is the role of the limbic system?
The limbic system is involved in emotions, memory, and motivation, playing a key role in emotional responses and the formation of memories (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 17
What is the corpus callosum?
The corpus callosum is a bundle of neural fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating interhemispheric communication (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 18
How does the spinal cord function in reflex actions?
The spinal cord processes reflex actions by sending signals directly from sensory neurons to motor neurons, bypassing the brain for quicker responses (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 19
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis, controlling functions such as temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 20
What is the function of the thalamus?
The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain for processing (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 21
What is the significance of the cerebral cortex?
The cerebral cortex is involved in higher brain functions, including thought, reasoning, and voluntary movement, and is divided into four lobes (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 22
What are the four lobes of the brain?
The four lobes of the brain are the frontal lobe (involved in reasoning and planning), parietal lobe (processing sensory information), occipital lobe (vision), and temporal lobe (auditory processing) (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 23
What is the function of the frontal lobe?
The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling behavior (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 24
What is the role of the parietal lobe?
The parietal lobe processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, and pain, integrating sensory input from various modalities (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 25
What is the function of the occipital lobe?
The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information, including color, shape, and motion (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 26
What is the significance of the temporal lobe?
The temporal lobe is involved in processing auditory information and is also important for memory and language (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 27
What is the role of the peripheral nervous system in reflex arcs?
The peripheral nervous system is crucial in reflex arcs, as it includes sensory and motor neurons that transmit signals to and from the spinal cord (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 28
What is the function of sensory neurons?
Sensory neurons transmit sensory information from the body's receptors to the central nervous system for processing (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 29
What is the role of motor neurons?
Motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, facilitating movement and responses (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 30
What is the significance of the sympathetic nervous system?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, triggering the 'fight or flight' response (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 31
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?
The parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and conserves energy, facilitating 'rest and digest' functions (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 32
What is the function of the endocrine system in relation to the nervous system?
The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to regulate bodily functions through hormones, affecting mood, metabolism, and growth (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 33
How do the nervous and endocrine systems interact?
The nervous and endocrine systems interact by the nervous system triggering hormone release from glands, influencing physiological processes and behaviors (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 34
What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 35
What is the function of the amygdala?
The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure, and plays a role in emotional memory (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 36
What is the role of the hippocampus?
The hippocampus is critical for the formation of new memories and is also involved in learning and spatial navigation (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).
- 37
What is the significance of the brain's lateralization?
Lateralization refers to the specialization of brain hemispheres for certain functions, with the left hemisphere typically associated with language and analytical tasks, and the right with spatial and creative tasks (Myers, Chapter 3).
- 38
What is the role of the basal ganglia?
The basal ganglia are involved in the control of voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, and routine behaviors (Hockenbury, Chapter 2).