Autonomic Nervous System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does biological transmission of traits from parents to children refer to?

Evolutionary selection

Adaptation

Environmental influences

Heredity (correct)

Which of the following best defines evolutionary psychology?

The examination of mental processes through the lens of adaptation and natural selection (correct)

The study of the interaction between environmental factors and behaviour

The analysis of learned behaviours in social contexts

The study of genetic disorders in humans

What is the primary focus of the nature vs nurture debate in psychology?

The role of genetics versus environmental influences on behaviour (correct)

The impact of technology on modern psychology

The effects of culture on psychological development

The differences between instinctive and learned behaviours

According to Darwin's theory, what enables individuals with adaptive traits to survive?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about psychological traits is true?

They may be passed on genetically through generations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic unit of heredity found at a specific point on chromosomes?

Gene Signup and view all the answers

Which subfield of biology focuses on the study of heredity?

Genetics Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to a person's genetic makeup as determined by their DNA sequencing?

Genotype Signup and view all the answers

How are polygenic traits characterized?

Influenced by combinations of genes Signup and view all the answers

What does epigenetics study?

Gene expression changes due to environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which is true regarding phenotype?

It is the expression of an individual's genotype. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of kinship studies in genetics?

To analyze genetic influence on behavioral traits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of twin studies?

They analyze trait presence in twins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

Controls the glands and muscles of internal organs Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is known as the 'master gland'?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

What hormone does the pineal gland secrete?

Melatonin Signup and view all the answers

Excessive thyroxin production can lead to which condition?

Hyperthyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What hormones are primarily released by the adrenal glands during stress?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Which function is primarily regulated by hormones released from the endocrine system?

Homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal glands?

Increase resistance to stress and promote muscle development Signup and view all the answers

What effect does epinephrine have on emotions?

Intensifies emotions such as fear and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes monozygotic twins from dizygotic twins?

Monozygotic twins share the same genetic code. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main substances found in the central nervous system?

Grey matter and white matter Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the nervous system controls voluntary body movements?

Somatic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

How does the spinal cord function in the nervous system?

It transmits messages between sensory receptors and the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between monozygotic twins?

They have the same genetic code due to sharing the same ovum. Signup and view all the answers

What role do axons play in the nervous system?

They transmit messages through bundles of neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the peripheral nervous system?

It contains sensory and motor neurons transmitting messages to and from the CNS. Signup and view all the answers

How does evolutionary psychology connect natural selection to human behavior?

It posits that psychological traits may evolve similarly to physical traits through natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the nature aspect in the nature vs nurture debate?

The biological and genetic predispositions of an organism. Signup and view all the answers

What role does heredity play in the transmission of traits?

It describes biological transmission from parents to children via genes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a reason psychological traits might undergo natural selection?

They can provide adaptive advantages for survival and reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes the biopsychosocial model in relation to psychology?

It combines biological, psychological, and social factors to understand behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a phenotype in genetics?

The manifestations of a person's genetic code and environment Signup and view all the answers

How many chromosomes do humans have in total?

46 Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes traits that are influenced by multiple genes?

Polygenic traits Signup and view all the answers

What does behavioural genetics primarily focus on?

The genetic transmission of traits governing behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of epigenetics?

Changes in gene function due to environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of kinship studies in genetics?

To compare traits in related versus unrelated individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which structure carries genetic information and is found in the nucleus of cells?

Chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

What defines a genotype?

The genetic makeup determined by DNA sequencing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

Regulates glands and muscles of internal organs Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is secreted by the pineal gland?

Melatonin Signup and view all the answers

What condition may arise from deficiencies in thyroxine?

Cretinism Signup and view all the answers

What role do corticosteroids play in the body?

Enhance resistance to stress Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland'?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the body's response to stress?

Adrenaline Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the thyroid gland?

Produces thyroxine to affect metabolism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances increases during stressful situations due to the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the central nervous system?

To process sensory information and coordinate responses Signup and view all the answers

What type of twins are as genetically similar as ordinary siblings?

Dizygotic twins Signup and view all the answers

What do unmyelinated neurons in the central nervous system represent?

Grey matter involved in cognitive functions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the peripheral nervous system?

It enables communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which system within the peripheral nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements?

Somatic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the spinal cord in the nervous system?

Transmitting sensory messages from the body to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What do both monozygotic and dizygotic twins have in common?

They consist of two individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of white matter in the central nervous system?

To carry messages to and from the brain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates the glands and muscles of internal organs.
Comprised of sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Endocrine System

Consists of ductless glands releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
Hormones regulate homeostasis, growth, metabolism, and behaviors.

Key Glands

Pituitary Gland: Known as the "master gland," it secretes hormones like growth hormone and prolactin.
Hypothalamus: Acts as the "commander" to the pituitary gland, regulating its functions.
Pineal Gland: Secretes melatonin, which affects the sleep-wake cycle.

Thyroid Gland

Produces thyroxin, crucial for metabolism.
Deficiencies linked to hypothyroidism and cretinism; excess leads to hyperthyroidism.

Adrenal Glands

Located above the kidneys, they secrete corticosteroids enhancing stress resistance and muscle growth.
Sympathetic ANS triggers the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine during stressful situations, intensifying emotions like fear.

Nature vs. Nurture

Nature: Refers to the inborn characteristics of an organism.
Nurture: Encompasses environmental influences shaping behaviors.

Biopsychosocial Model

Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding human behavior.

Evolution and Heredity

Charles Darwin's Theory: Proposes natural selection whereby adaptive genetic variations enhance survival and reproduction.
Humanity, like all species, evolves and adapts over time.

Evolutionary Psychology

Examines links between adaptation, natural selection, and psychological processes.
Suggests psychological traits may also undergo natural selection like physical traits.

Heredity and Genetics

Heredity: Biological transfer of traits from parents to offspring through genes.
Genes: Basic units of heredity located on chromosomes.
Genetics: Subfield of biology focused on heredity.
Behavioral Genetics: Studies how genetic transmission influences behavior patterns.

Key Terms

Gene: Basic unit of heredity on chromosomes.
Chromosomes: Structures containing genes; humans have 46 in 23 pairs.
DNA: Substance forming chromosomes, carrying genetic information.

Genotypes and Phenotypes

Polygenic Traits: Influenced by multiple genes, relevant in psychological characteristics.
Genotype: An individual's genetic makeup.
Phenotype: Observable characteristics shaped by genotype and environment.

Epigenetics

Studies changes in gene function due to environmental factors.
Examples include studies on trauma effects and nutritional impacts on health.

Kinship Studies

Compare genetic influences on behaviors in related versus unrelated individuals.

Twin Studies

Monozygotic (MZ) Twins: Identical twins sharing the same genetic code.
Dizygotic (DZ) Twins: Fraternal twins, as genetically similar as regular siblings.

Nervous System Overview

Controls processes like thought, heart rate, and coordination.
Consists of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Divisions of the Nervous System

CNS: Composed of the brain and spinal cord.
PNS: Contains sensory and motor neurons, subdivided into somatic (voluntary movements) and autonomic (involuntary responses).

Central Nervous System Components

Spinal Cord: Transmits messages between the body and brain; responsible for reflex actions.
Grey Matter: Contains unmyelinated neurons; involved in basic reflexes.
White Matter: Composed of myelinated neurons; facilitates communication to and from the brain.