Chapter 7 Nervous System
Open with Full Screen in HD Quality
Project on Nervous System
In psychology, the nervous system plays a fundamental role in understanding how humans and other animals perceive, process, and respond to information from their environment. The nervous system is a complex network of specialized cells called neurons, which transmit electrochemical signals throughout the body. It can be broadly divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Central Nervous System (CNS):
- The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
- The brain is the command center of the nervous system and is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, emotion, and voluntary movement.
- The spinal cord acts as a relay between the brain and the rest of the body, transmitting sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the muscles and organs.
- The CNS integrates information from sensory receptors throughout the body and coordinates responses to stimuli.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
- The PNS includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
- It is further divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
- The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information from the sensory organs to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to the skeletal muscles.
- The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary processes such as heart rate, digestion, respiration, and glandular activity. It is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which have opposing effects on physiological functions, maintaining homeostasis.
In psychology, the nervous system is studied in various contexts, including:
Neuroscience: The study of the nervous system's structure and function, including the brain's role in behavior, cognition, and emotion. Neuroscience explores how neural activity gives rise to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Biopsychology: Also known as physiological psychology or behavioral neuroscience, biopsychology examines the biological bases of behavior, emphasizing the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Researchers in this field investigate topics such as brain development, neural plasticity, and the effects of drugs on behavior.
Psychophysiology: Psychophysiology examines the relationship between physiological processes and psychological phenomena. Researchers measure physiological variables such as heart rate, skin conductance, and brain activity to understand how they relate to emotions, cognition, and behavior.
Overall, the nervous system is integral to the study of psychology as it provides a biological basis for understanding human behavior and mental processes.