AQA A Level Psychology Biopsychology Exam Question and Answers Graded A+

What is the nervous system -ANSWER - The nervous system is a specialised group of cells in our body and is our primary communication system, it collects processes and responds to different information and co-ordinates the working of different functions within the body. It is made up of both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. What is the central nervous system (CNS) -ANSWER - The CNS includes the brain and the spinal cord, the brain is the centre of all conscious awareness and it is the outer layer, the cerebral cortex, which distinguishes us from animals. The spinal cord is an extension o the brain and is responsible for our reflexes and movements. The spinal cords main function is to relay information from the brain to the rest of the body. The brain is made up of four main areas, the brain stem, the diencephalon, the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. The brain stem regulates automatic functions such as breathing and swallowing. The diencephalon comprises the thalamus which takes nerve impulses from the senses to the brain and the hypothalamus that regulates body temp and hunger. The cerebellum that controls motor skills and balance co-ordinating muscles to work together. The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes each with a different function: POFT The Parietal lobe for sensory information The Occipital lobe for the processing of visual information The Frontal lobe for thought and speech The Temporal lobe for auditory information and memory What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) -ANSWER - The PNS is divided into two main sections the first being the somatic nervous system. This is made up of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves, containing both sensory and motor neurons it is also involved in reflex actions. The autonomic nervous system is much more complex, it essentially regulates involuntary actions such as heart rate without any conscious awareness. It is made up of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system which have opposing effects on the body. The sympathetic nervous system helps us deal with emergencies (fight or flight), it increases the heart rate, blood pressure and dilates pupils. It can also shut down non essentials like digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system has the opposite effect of the fight or flight, as this response triggers homeostasis. This relaxes the individual after the emergency, slowing heart rate and non essentials back on.