Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

Discover the Human Nervous System!

Open

6

0

user profile picture

Layla Guthrie

1/17/2023

AP Psychology

Unit 2: The Nervous System Study Guide

Subjects

/

AP Psychology

/

Biological Bases of Behavior

/

The Brain and Its Structures/Functions

Discover the Human Nervous System!

The detailed structure of the human nervous system encompasses a complex network responsible for transmitting electrochemical signals throughout the body, controlling everything from basic reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

  • The nervous system is divided into central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (somatic and autonomic) components
  • Different types of neurons, including sensory, motor, and interneurons, work together to process and transmit information
  • Function of different types of neurons in the body includes receiving sensory input, processing information, and controlling muscle movements
  • Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, and GABA play crucial roles in neural communication
  • The brain's structure includes specialized regions for various functions, from basic survival to complex cognitive processes
...

1/17/2023

121

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

View

Types of Neurons and Neural Pathways

The pathway of nerve impulses in sensory and motor neurons demonstrates how information flows through the nervous system. This chapter explores the various types of neurons and their specific roles in neural communication.

Definition: Receptor cells are specialized cells in sensory organs that detect environmental changes and initiate neural responses.

Example: When a student hears a question and raises their hand, the signal follows this pathway:

  1. Receptor cells in the ear
  2. Sensory neurons
  3. Interneurons in the brain
  4. Motor neurons
  5. Arm muscles (effectors)

Highlight: The synapse, a gap between neurons, is crucial for signal transmission through neurotransmitters.

Vocabulary:

  • Presynaptic neuron: The sending neuron
  • Postsynaptic neuron: The receiving neuron
  • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that cross the synapse
The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

View

Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

This section details the various neurotransmitters and their specific roles in neural communication and behavior regulation.

Definition: Acetylcholine (ACh) is a versatile neurotransmitter that can be either excitatory or inhibitory, functioning as a neuromodulator.

Highlight: Dopamine plays a crucial role in both motor control and reward pathways, while endorphins are natural pain relievers.

Example: The dopamine reward pathway activates when we experience pleasure, explaining why certain substances can be addictive.

Vocabulary:

  • Neuromodulator: A neurotransmitter that regulates large groups of neurons
  • Endorphins: Endogenous morphine produced by the body
  • Reuptake: Process of recycling unused neurotransmitters
The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

View

Neurotransmitter Functions: Acetylcholine and Dopamine

This section explores the crucial role of neurotransmitters in neural communication, focusing on acetylcholine and dopamine.

Highlight: Acetylcholine can be either excitatory or inhibitory and plays a vital role in memory formation in the hippocampus.

Definition: Neuromodulators are neurotransmitters that regulate the actions of large groups of neurons.

Example: Low levels of acetylcholine in the hippocampus are linked to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

View

Neurotransmitters: GABA and Glutamate

The page details the roles of GABA and glutamate in neural function and various neurological conditions.

Definition: GABA is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates brain activity.

Highlight: Anxiety disorders are associated with low GABA levels, while alcohol enhances GABA activity, leading to impaired function.

Vocabulary: Action potential refers to the electrochemical process generating neural impulses.

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

View

The Reflex Arc

This section explains the reflex arc's structure and importance in rapid response to stimuli.

Definition: A reflex arc is a neural pathway that allows for quick, automatic responses to stimuli before conscious awareness.

Example: When touching something hot, the reflex arc enables immediate withdrawal before the conscious perception of pain.

Highlight: The adaptive nature of the reflex arc ensures rapid response to potentially harmful stimuli.

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

View

Brainstem Structure and Function

The page details the components and functions of the hindbrain or brainstem.

Vocabulary: The brainstem is often referred to as the "reptilian brain" due to its primitive nature.

Definition: The medulla controls vital biological functions like breathing and heartbeat.

Highlight: The cerebellum coordinates both involuntary balance maintenance and precise voluntary movements.

Similar Content

Know Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brain research thumbnail

25

571

12/13

Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brain research

Some functions are lateralised, meaning it is performed by one hemisphere rather than the other

Know ap psychology unit 2 notes - biological bases of behavior thumbnail

64

427

ap psychology unit 2 notes - biological bases of behavior

ap classroom video notes

Know Neuron thumbnail

19

137

Neuron

In this document, you'll learn the parts of the neuron, how neurons communicate, the peripheral and central nervous system, and the neuroscientific research methods.

Know Localisation of function in the brain thumbnail

18

685

12/13

Localisation of function in the brain

Psychology - Biopsychology

Know Unit 2 : Biopsychology thumbnail

26

279

Unit 2 : Biopsychology

AP Psychology, Unit 2

Know Localisation and Lateralisation thumbnail

19

450

13

Localisation and Lateralisation

Excluding Split Brain Research

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

20 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 17 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Subjects

/

AP Psychology

/

Biological Bases of Behavior

/

The Brain and Its Structures/Functions

Discover the Human Nervous System!

user profile picture

Layla Guthrie

@laylaguthrie_aoly

·

239 Followers

Follow

The detailed structure of the human nervous system encompasses a complex network responsible for transmitting electrochemical signals throughout the body, controlling everything from basic reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

  • The nervous system is divided into central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (somatic and autonomic) components
  • Different types of neurons, including sensory, motor, and interneurons, work together to process and transmit information
  • Function of different types of neurons in the body includes receiving sensory input, processing information, and controlling muscle movements
  • Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, and GABA play crucial roles in neural communication
  • The brain's structure includes specialized regions for various functions, from basic survival to complex cognitive processes
...

1/17/2023

121

 

AP Psychology

6

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Types of Neurons and Neural Pathways

The pathway of nerve impulses in sensory and motor neurons demonstrates how information flows through the nervous system. This chapter explores the various types of neurons and their specific roles in neural communication.

Definition: Receptor cells are specialized cells in sensory organs that detect environmental changes and initiate neural responses.

Example: When a student hears a question and raises their hand, the signal follows this pathway:

  1. Receptor cells in the ear
  2. Sensory neurons
  3. Interneurons in the brain
  4. Motor neurons
  5. Arm muscles (effectors)

Highlight: The synapse, a gap between neurons, is crucial for signal transmission through neurotransmitters.

Vocabulary:

  • Presynaptic neuron: The sending neuron
  • Postsynaptic neuron: The receiving neuron
  • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that cross the synapse
The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

This section details the various neurotransmitters and their specific roles in neural communication and behavior regulation.

Definition: Acetylcholine (ACh) is a versatile neurotransmitter that can be either excitatory or inhibitory, functioning as a neuromodulator.

Highlight: Dopamine plays a crucial role in both motor control and reward pathways, while endorphins are natural pain relievers.

Example: The dopamine reward pathway activates when we experience pleasure, explaining why certain substances can be addictive.

Vocabulary:

  • Neuromodulator: A neurotransmitter that regulates large groups of neurons
  • Endorphins: Endogenous morphine produced by the body
  • Reuptake: Process of recycling unused neurotransmitters
The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Neurotransmitter Functions: Acetylcholine and Dopamine

This section explores the crucial role of neurotransmitters in neural communication, focusing on acetylcholine and dopamine.

Highlight: Acetylcholine can be either excitatory or inhibitory and plays a vital role in memory formation in the hippocampus.

Definition: Neuromodulators are neurotransmitters that regulate the actions of large groups of neurons.

Example: Low levels of acetylcholine in the hippocampus are linked to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Neurotransmitters: GABA and Glutamate

The page details the roles of GABA and glutamate in neural function and various neurological conditions.

Definition: GABA is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates brain activity.

Highlight: Anxiety disorders are associated with low GABA levels, while alcohol enhances GABA activity, leading to impaired function.

Vocabulary: Action potential refers to the electrochemical process generating neural impulses.

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Reflex Arc

This section explains the reflex arc's structure and importance in rapid response to stimuli.

Definition: A reflex arc is a neural pathway that allows for quick, automatic responses to stimuli before conscious awareness.

Example: When touching something hot, the reflex arc enables immediate withdrawal before the conscious perception of pain.

Highlight: The adaptive nature of the reflex arc ensures rapid response to potentially harmful stimuli.

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Brainstem Structure and Function

The page details the components and functions of the hindbrain or brainstem.

Vocabulary: The brainstem is often referred to as the "reptilian brain" due to its primitive nature.

Definition: The medulla controls vital biological functions like breathing and heartbeat.

Highlight: The cerebellum coordinates both involuntary balance maintenance and precise voluntary movements.

The Nervous System The body system that transfers electrochemical messages called impulses throughout the body Impulses cause muscles to con

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Fundamentals of the Nervous System

The nervous system serves as the body's primary communication network, orchestrating electrochemical messages throughout the organism. The function of different types of neurons in the body is essential for maintaining both voluntary and involuntary processes.

Definition: The nervous system is a complex network that transmits electrochemical signals called impulses throughout the body, controlling muscle movement, gland secretion, and cognitive functions.

Highlight: The system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (somatic and autonomic).

Example: The somatic nervous system controls voluntary actions like walking, while the autonomic nervous system manages involuntary functions like heartbeat.

Vocabulary: Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, consisting of several key parts:

  • Soma (cell body)
  • Dendrites
  • Axon
  • Myelin sheath
  • Nodes of Ranvier
  • Terminal buttons

Similar Content

Psychology - Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brain research

Some functions are lateralised, meaning it is performed by one hemisphere rather than the other

25

571

0

Know Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brain research thumbnail

AP Psychology - ap psychology unit 2 notes - biological bases of behavior

ap classroom video notes

64

427

2

Know ap psychology unit 2 notes - biological bases of behavior thumbnail

Psychology - Neuron

In this document, you'll learn the parts of the neuron, how neurons communicate, the peripheral and central nervous system, and the neuroscientific research methods.

19

137

0

Know Neuron thumbnail

Psychology - Localisation of function in the brain

Psychology - Biopsychology

18

685

0

Know Localisation of function in the brain thumbnail

AP Psychology - Unit 2 : Biopsychology

AP Psychology, Unit 2

26

279

0

Know Unit 2 : Biopsychology thumbnail

Psychology - Localisation and Lateralisation

Excluding Split Brain Research

19

450

0

Know Localisation and Lateralisation thumbnail

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

20 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 17 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying