Neurons and Action Potential
This type of neuron carries information from sensory receptors into the CNS
Sensory (afferent) neuron
This gland’s role is central to hormonal coordination and is considered a regulator of other glands
Pituitary gland
This division enables voluntary movement but also contributes to posture and reflexive adjustments.
Somatic nervous system
This structure acts as a relay station, filtering and prioritising sensory input before it reaches conscious awareness.
Thalamus
This concept explains how inherited genetic information provides a blueprint rather than a fixed outcome
genotype
Damage to this part of the neuron would most directly impair the processing of incoming signals from the dendrites
cell body (soma)
This gland releases reproductive hormones
gonads
This branch is activated during perceived threat to mobilise energy and increase arousal
Sympathetic nervous system
Damage to this structure would most directly impair the formation of new conscious memories
Hippocampus
This framework explains behaviour as the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors rather than a single cause.
biopsychosocial model
This cell create myelin sheaths and support/nourish the brain by providing nutrients, removing waste and maintaining homeostasis
Glial cells
Chronic stress leading to prolonged cortisol release indicates activation of this hormonal pathway.
HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) axis?
A person rapidly withdraws their hand from a hot surface before consciously registering pain; this demonstrates this neural process
Reflex arc
A patient shows impaired coordination and balance without loss of strength; this suggests dysfunction in this structure
Cerebellum
This concept reflects observable traits emerging from gene–environment interaction
If neurotransmitter release is blocked at the synapse, this stage of neural communication is specifically disrupted.
chemical transmission between neurons
A disorder involving disrupted metabolism and energy levels would most likely involve dysfunction in this gland.
Thyroid gland
This system works alongside the endocrine system during stress to produce both immediate and prolonged responses.
Autonomic nervous system
This structure links the nervous system to the endocrine system and maintains homeostasis
Hypothalamus
Identical twins showing high similarity in traits provides evidence for this influence on behaviour.
Genetic influence
A patient shows normal neuron structure but significantly slowed neural communication. This dysfunction most likely involves impaired function of this structure, which increases transmission speed and efficiency.
Myelin sheath
This key functional difference explains why hormonal effects are slower and widespread compared to neural signalling.
hormones travel through the bloodstream
Failure to return to baseline after stress suggests dysfunction in this specific branch responsible for recovery processes.
Parasympathetic nervous system
Loss of dopamine from the substantia nigra in this system leads to impaired movement initiation, as seen in Parkinsonian symptoms.
Basal ganglia
A heritability estimate of 0.5 means this about variation in a population
50% of differences between individuals are due to genetic variation