Biological Bases of Mental Life and Behaviour

Name: Chia Ann Na  Student # 3584187

Biological bases of mental life and behaviour

Task A. Answer three (3) of the following learning objectives (~300 words)

1. Explain the structure of neurons. How do neurons communicate with each other? How does the Endocrine system communicate?

Neurons are cells that transfer information within the nervous system. It is made up of cell body which contain nucleus and organelles, axon, dendrites, axon hillock, synapse and synaptic terminal.

Neurons communicate with each other through sending electrical signals throughout the body. Neurotransmitter  activates when a signal is sent. The endocrine system works with nervous system to communicate with other parts of the body. It is made up of glands that secrete hormones which act as chemical messengers, helping to control organs and cells throughout the body.

1. Describe the Peripheral Nervous System and explain the two systems involved in work/exercise and rest.

Peripheral nervous system is part of the nervous system that carries information to and from the central nervous system. It includes all the nerves from skin, muscle and organs to spinal cord and brain. One of the systems involved in work/exercise is somatic nervous system. It controls the voluntary body movements of skeletal muscle by conveying sensory information to central nervous system and sending motor messages to muscles. Another system involved in rest is autonomic nervous system which is responsible for basic life functions unconsciously directed, including heartbeat, breathing, response to stress and digestion.

1. Describe the structure and function of the Central Nervous System.

Central nervous system consists of spinal cord, brain and neurons. Spinal cord is used in receiving sensory input, sending information to the brain and responding with motor output. Brain is for directing psychological activity, processing information and maintaining life support. The functions of central nervous system are directing psychological and basic life processes and responding to stimuli. It receives all information from every part of body and processes it.

1. Describe what split-brain studies indicate about the organization of the brain

The split-brain studies indicated that the left and right side of the brain are specialised in different areas. The left side is responsible for analytical and verbal tasks and doing mathematical computations while right side is to process music, face recognition, spatial abilities and making judgement of visual images.

Task B: Online activity with specific questions to be answered (~200 words)

 (See http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/reaction/index.htmlhttp://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/reaction/index.html

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/reaction/index.html

1. Explain reaction time (RT) and the three major types (simple, recognition, and choice).

Reaction time(RT) refers to time taken to respond to a stimulus.

Simple reaction time is when there is just one stimulus and one response. Recognition reaction time is there are certain stimuli that should be responded and others that should not be responded but there is just one correct response. Choice reaction time is a response corresponding to the stimulus must be given.