Biopsychology
,The nervous system
It consists of the central nervous system and the
peripheral nervous system.
It is based on electrical and chemical signals which
communicate information to the rest of the body.
It has two mains functions:
• To collect, process and respond to information in the
environment.
• To co-ordinate the working of different organs and
cells in the body.
The central nervous system (CNS)
It is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
• The brain: made up of two hemispheres and the outer layer is called the
cerebral cortex. It is highly developed in humans. It provides conscious
awareness and is involved in all psychological processes. Contains 4 lobes:
visual, occipital, auditory and temporal.
• The spinal cord: passes messages to/from the brain and to the PNS. It is
also responsible for reflexes.
,The peripheral nervous system (PNS)
It is subdivided into the autonomic nervous system and
the somatic nervous system:
• Autonomic nervous system: transmits automatic signals
e.g. breathing.
• Somatic nervous system: transmits information from
the senses to the CNS and also directs muscles to act.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS)
It is subdivided into the sympathetic and the
parasympathetic nervous system:
• Sympathetic nervous system: involved in preparation
for ‘fight or flight’.
• Parasympathetic nervous system: returns the body to
the resting state, also involved in the ‘fight or flight’
response.
, The endocrine system
un
-
It acts slower than the nervous system but
has widespread and powerful effects.
g
Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream
and affect particular glands.
,The nervous system
It consists of the central nervous system and the
peripheral nervous system.
It is based on electrical and chemical signals which
communicate information to the rest of the body.
It has two mains functions:
• To collect, process and respond to information in the
environment.
• To co-ordinate the working of different organs and
cells in the body.
The central nervous system (CNS)
It is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
• The brain: made up of two hemispheres and the outer layer is called the
cerebral cortex. It is highly developed in humans. It provides conscious
awareness and is involved in all psychological processes. Contains 4 lobes:
visual, occipital, auditory and temporal.
• The spinal cord: passes messages to/from the brain and to the PNS. It is
also responsible for reflexes.
,The peripheral nervous system (PNS)
It is subdivided into the autonomic nervous system and
the somatic nervous system:
• Autonomic nervous system: transmits automatic signals
e.g. breathing.
• Somatic nervous system: transmits information from
the senses to the CNS and also directs muscles to act.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS)
It is subdivided into the sympathetic and the
parasympathetic nervous system:
• Sympathetic nervous system: involved in preparation
for ‘fight or flight’.
• Parasympathetic nervous system: returns the body to
the resting state, also involved in the ‘fight or flight’
response.
, The endocrine system
un
-
It acts slower than the nervous system but
has widespread and powerful effects.
g
Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream
and affect particular glands.
