Psychology Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the two main divisions of the human nervous system?

The central nervous system (correct)

The autonomic nervous system

The peripheral nervous system (correct)

The somatic nervous system

What are the two parts of the central nervous system?

The brain and the spinal cord

What are the divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system

What are the divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What are the three components of a neuron?

Dendrites, a cell body, and an axon Signup and view all the answers

How do neurons communicate with one another?

Neurons communicate through an electrical and chemical language involving action potentials and neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical substances released by a transmitting neuron at the synapse that alter the activity of a receiving neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What are endorphins?

Chemical substances in the nervous system involved in pain reduction, pleasure, and memory. Signup and view all the answers

What are hormones?

Chemical substances secreted by glands that affect the functioning of other organs. Signup and view all the answers

What techniques do researchers use for understanding the workings of the brain?

PET scan Signup and view all the answers

What are the major functions of the brain stem, cerebellum, and thalamus?

The brain stem controls vital functions; the cerebellum coordinates movement and balance; the thalamus directs sensory messages. Signup and view all the answers

What are the major functions of the hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus?

The hypothalamus regulates drives and controls the autonomic nervous system; the amygdala evaluates emotions; the hippocampus relates sensory information to expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex and their major functions?

Occipital lobes process visual signals; parietal lobes manage sensory information; temporal lobes handle memory and sounds; frontal lobes issue motor commands. Signup and view all the answers

How do studies of split-brain patients help researchers understand the functions of the left and right cerebral hemispheres?

They help pinpoint problem areas in the brain by analyzing behavior and function post-surgery. Signup and view all the answers

What are some arguments in favor of and against the conclusion that women's and men's brains differ anatomically and functionally?

Gender differences are stereotypes, and brain differences do not necessarily dictate behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System

Divided into two main parts: central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord.
The PNS branches into the somatic nervous system (voluntary control) and the autonomic nervous system (involuntary control).

Autonomic Nervous System

Subdivided into sympathetic (fight or flight response) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems.

Neurons

Composed of three main components: dendrites (receive signals), cell body (processes signals), and axon (sends signals).
Neurons communicate through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters across synaptic clefts, facilitating inter-neuronal communication.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances released by transmitting neurons at synapses that influence the activity of receiving neurons.
Examples include endorphins, which reduce pain and enhance pleasure.

Hormones

Chemical substances secreted by glands that regulate various bodily functions and affect the performance of other organs.

Brain Research Techniques

Researchers utilize needle electrodes, transcranial magnetic stimulation, PET scans, and MRIs to investigate brain functioning.

Major Brain Structures

The brain stem controls basic life functions like breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.
The cerebellum is essential for balance and smooth muscular coordination.
The thalamus acts as a relay station, directing sensory information to appropriate brain areas.

Limbic System Functions

The hypothalamus regulates hunger, thirst, emotions, temperature, and autonomic functions, along with circadian rhythms.
The amygdala evaluates emotional significance of sensory inputs and influences responses.
The hippocampus is involved in memory processing and learning from past experiences.

Cerebral Cortex Lobes

Occipital lobes house the visual cortex for processing visual information.
Parietal lobes contain the somatosensory cortex, which processes sensory data related to touch and temperature.
Temporal lobes are linked to memory, emotion, and auditory processing.
Frontal lobes feature the motor cortex, coordinating voluntary muscle movements.

Split-Brain Studies

Research on split-brain patients aids in understanding lateralization of brain function, helping to localize specific problem areas effectively.

Gender Differences in Brain Function

Gender differences in brain anatomy and function may reinforce stereotypes rather than explain behaviors.
Differences could be reflective of behavioral results rather than causes.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the human nervous system with these flashcards based on Chapter 4 of psychology. Learn about the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as their key components. These flashcards are an excellent way to reinforce your understanding of fundamental concepts in psychology.