Summary Biopsychology

BIOPSYCHOLOGY
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, THE
Communication system with 2 main functions:
• To collect, process and respond to informatio
• To coordinate the working of different orga
Complex network of nerve cells
NERVOUS
body

(neurons) that carry messages
(communication system) between parts
of the body via electrical impulses.
SYSTEM 2 sub-systems:
1. Central nervous system (CNS
2. Peripheral nervous system (P

CNS
Consists of brain, spinal P
cord and is origin of all Sends info
SPINAL CORD complex commands & outside worl
- Extension of the decisions. messages f
brain muscles & g
- Reflexes
- Transmits messages
to & from the brain +
SOMATIC NS:
connects to the PNS.
- Controls muscles
BRAIN sensory receptors
- 2 hemispheres - Voluntary (under c
- Conscious awareness
- Includes cerebral cortex (higher mental functions = AUTONOMIC NS:
decisions) – more developed in humans. - Governs vital bodily fu
stress response)
- 2 main divisions: sym
parasympathetic (calm
(branches).
- Involuntary (automatic
SYMPATHETIC NS
- “the fight or flight
response” (stress
response) The 2 systems PARASYM
- prepares body for interact to create
- Rest-an
action homeostasis
- Resting
- NT: (equilibrium).
state
noradrenaline/
- Restore
adrenaline
state a
Generally, maintains and Generally prepares the
has pas
conserves body energy body to expend energy
- NT: Ace
and functions. for fight or flight.