Download Title: Biopsychology

Title: Biopsychology
Specification: The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral
(somatic and autonomic).
Q1
Increased blood pressure
E
A
B
C
D
MCQ: Which of the following responses is caused by an activation of the
parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system?
Increased heart rate
Pupil dilation
Increased salivation

SA
M
PL
Q2 Complete the diagram
Complete the diagram of the nervous system, using the key terms listed below.
Key terms: Sympathetic Nervous System, Brain, Somatic Nervous System, Spinal
Cord, Peripheral Nervous System (PSN), Central Nervous System (CNS), Autonomic
Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Q3 Sympathetic or parasympathetic?
Decide whether each of the responses listed below is caused by an activation of the
sympathetic nervous system or parasympathetic nervous system and complete the
table below.
Responses: Contracts (stimulates bladder); Dilates pupils; Stimulates saliva
production; Increases heartbeat; Stimulates digestion; Decreases saliva production;
Slows heartbeat; Inhibits digestion; Constricts pupils; Inhibits bladder contraction
SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
 Dilates pupils
 Constricts pupils
 Decreases saliva production
 Stimulates saliva production
 Increases heartbeat
 Slows heartbeat
 Inhibits digestion
 Stimulates digestion
 Inhibits bladder contraction
 Contracts (stimulates) bladder
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q4 Match them up
Match up the components of the nervous system on the left, with the correct
description on the right. The first one has been done for you.
COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION
Central nervous system
Provides conscious awareness; involved
in all psychological processes.
Spain cord
Relays messages from the CNS to the
rest of the body.
Brain
Play an important role in homeostasis.
Returns the body to is normal restating
state.
Somatic nervous system
Transfers messages to and from the
brain and the rest of the body.
PL
Autonomic nervous
system
E
Peripheral nervous
system
Prepares the body for fight or flight.
Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Parasympathetic
nervous system
Maintains communication between the
CNS and outside word.
SA
M
Sympathetic nervous
system
Q5 Apply your knowledge
Below is an answer to the following exam-style question: Explain two differences in
the organisation and/or function of the somatic nervous system and autonomic
nervous system. (4 marks).
One difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous system is
that one of the systems has two sub-components.* Another difference is
that one system has sensory and motor pathways whereas the other one
does not.*
This answer is likely to achieve 1/2 marks, because it has not elaborated either point.
Rewrite the answer below, expanding on each sentence where there is an asterisk *.
One difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous system is that one of
the systems has two sub-components. The autonomic nervous system consists of the
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, whereas the somatic nervous
system is a standalone system. Another difference is that one system has sensory
and motor pathways whereas the other one does not. The somatic nervous system
consists of sensory receptors which carry information to the spinal cord and brain
and motor pathways which control movement, whereas the autonomic nervous
system only consists of motor pathways, controlling internal organs and glands.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Title: Biopsychology
Specification: The divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral
(somatic and autonomic).
Q1
E
A
B
C
D
MCQ: Which of the following responses is caused by an activation of the
parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system?
Increased heart rate
Pupil dilation
Increased salivation
Increased blood pressure
SA
M
PL
Q2 Complete the diagram
Complete the diagram of the nervous system, using the key terms listed below.
Key terms: Sympathetic Nervous System, Brain, Somatic Nervous System, Spinal
Cord, Peripheral Nervous System (PSN), Central Nervous System (CNS), Autonomic
Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Q3 Sympathetic or parasympathetic?
Decide whether each of the responses listed below is caused by an activation of the
sympathetic nervous system or parasympathetic nervous system and complete the
table below.
Responses: Contracts (stimulates bladder); Dilates pupils; Stimulates saliva
production; Increases heartbeat; Stimulates digestion; Decreases saliva production;
Slows heartbeat; Inhibits digestion; Constricts pupils; Inhibits bladder contraction
SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q4 Match them up
Match up the components of the nervous system on the left, with the correct
description on the right. The first one has been done for you.
COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION
Provides conscious awareness; involved
in all psychological processes.
Spain cord
Relays messages from the CNS to the
rest of the body.
Brain
Play an important role in homeostasis.
Peripheral nervous
system
Returns the body to is normal restating
state.
Somatic nervous
system
Transfers messages to and from the
brain and the rest of the body.
PL
Autonomic
E
Central nervous system
Prepares the body for fight or flight.
Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Parasympathetic
nervous system
Maintains communication between the
CNS and outside word.
SA
M
Sympathetic nervous
system
Q5 Apply your knowledge
Below is an answer to the following exam-style question: Explain two differences in
the organisation and/or function of the somatic nervous system and autonomic
nervous system. (4 marks).
One difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous system is
that one of the systems has two sub-components.* Another difference is
that one system has sensory and motor pathways whereas the other one
does not.*
This answer is likely to achieve 1/2 marks, because it has not elaborated either point.
Rewrite the answer below, expanding on each sentence where there is an asterisk *.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Title: Biopsychology
Topic: The structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurons. The
process of synaptic transmission, including reference to neurotransmitters,
excitation and inhibition.
True or false?
Motor neurons carry messages to the peripheral nervous system.
Excitation makes a presynaptic neuron more likely to fire.
Sensory neurons carry messages to the spinal cord and brain.
Inhibition makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire.
False
False
True
True
E
Q1
A
B
D
E
PL
Q2 Label the neuron
Label the neuron using the key terms below and answer the additional questions.
 A = Dendrite
 B = Cell body
 C = Myelin sheath
 D = Axon
Key terms: Cell body, Myelin sheath, Axon, Dendrite.
SA
M
Which type of neuron is shown in this picture?
A) Sensory neuron
B) Relay neuron
C) Motor neuron 
Outline one difference between the type of neuron
shown in this picture and one other type of neuron (2
marks).
Motor neurons are found in the central nervous
system whereas relay sensory neurons are found in
receptor cells (e.g. the eyes).
Q3 Sensory, Relay or Motor Neuron?
Which of the following descriptions bests describes a: sensory, relay or motor
neuron.
are found in receptors such as the eyes, ears, tongue and skin, and
carry nerve impulses to the spinal cord and brain. These nerve Sensory neuron
impulses are translated into ‘sensations’.
are found in the central nervous system (CNS) and control muscle
movements.
Motor neuron
are found in between sensory input and motor output/response.
These neurons are found in the brain and spinal cord.
Relay neuron
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q4 Match them up
Match up the key neuron/neurotransmitter terms on the left, with the correct
description on the right.
COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION
Dendrite
Insulates the axon so that the electrical
impulses travel faster along the axon.
Myelin sheath
Connects the neuron to other neurons
(or directly to organs), using a process
called synaptic transmission.
a long slender fibre that carries nerve
impulses, in the form of an electrical
signal known as action potential.
Information which is passed down the
axon of the neuron as an electrical
impulse
SA
M
Action potential
PL
Axon terminal
E
Axon
Receives a signal from other neurons or
sensory receptor cells. This part of the
neuron is typically connected to the cell
body.
Q5 Apply your knowledge
Answer the following application question.
Rhiannon is comparing the effects of smoking and drinking. She discovers that
nicotine is a stimulant which produces an excitatory effect on the postsynaptic
neuron, causing the release of dopamine, whereas alcohol interacts with GABA
receptors which produces an inhibitory effect. With reference to smoking and
drinking, outline what is meant by the term excitation and inhibition. (4 marks).
As smoking is excitatory it makes the post-synaptic cell more likely to fire. This
means that when nicotine binds to the post-synaptic receptors is causes an
electrical charge in the cell membrane which results in an excitatory post-synaptic
potential (EPSP), which makes the postsynaptic cell more likely to fire and in this
case release dopamine. Drinking alcohol on the other hand causes inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), as it interacts with GABA postsynaptic cell making them
less likely to fire.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Title: Biopsychology
Topic: The structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurons. The
process of synaptic transmission, including reference to neurotransmitters,
excitation and inhibition.
True or false?
Motor neurons carry messages to the peripheral nervous system.
Excitation makes a presynaptic neuron more likely to fire.
Sensory neurons carry messages to the spinal cord and brain.
Inhibition makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire.
E
Q1
A
B
C
D
PL
Q2 Label the neuron
Label the neuron using the key terms below and answer the additional questions.
 A=
 B=
 C=
 D=
Key terms: Cell body, Myelin sheath, Axon, Dendrite.
SA
M
Which type of neuron is shown in this picture?
A) Sensory neuron
B) Relay neuron
C) Motor neuron
Outline one difference between the type of neuron
shown in this picture and one other type of neuron (2
marks).
Q3 Sensory, Relay or Motor Neuron?
Which of the following descriptions bests describes a: sensory, relay or motor
neuron.
are found in receptors such as the eyes, ears, tongue and skin, and
carry nerve impulses to the spinal cord and brain. These nerve
impulses are translated into ‘sensations’.
are found in the central nervous system (CNS) and control muscle
movements.
are found in between sensory input and motor output/response.
These neurons are found in the brain and spinal cord.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q4 Match them up
Match up the key neuron/neurotransmitter terms on the left, with the correct
description on the right.
COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION
Insulates the axon so that the electrical
impulses travel faster along the axon.
Axon
Receives a signal from other neurons or
sensory receptor cells. This part of the
neuron is typically connected to the cell
body.
Myelin sheath
Connects the neuron to other neurons
(or directly to organs), using a process
called synaptic transmission.
a long slender fibre that carries nerve
impulses, in the form of an electrical
signal known as action potential.
Information which is passed down the
axon of the neuron as an electrical
impulse
SA
M
Action potential
PL
Axon terminal
E
Dendrite
Q5 Apply your knowledge
Answer the following application question.
Rhiannon is comparing the effects of smoking and drinking. She discovers that
nicotine is a stimulant which produces an excitatory effect on the postsynaptic
neuron, causing the release of dopamine, whereas alcohol interacts with GABA
receptors which produces an inhibitory effect. With reference to smoking and
drinking, outline what is meant by the term excitation and inhibition. (4 marks).
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Title: Biopsychology
Topic: The function of the endocrine system: glands and hormones.
Q1
A
B
D
E
MCQ: Which of the following statements about the hypothalamus is false? The
hypothalamus…
regulates the endocrine system.
is physically connected to the pituitary gland.
stimulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
is sometimes known as the master gland.

PL
E
Q2 Label the endocrine system
Label the endocrine system using the key terms below and answer the additional
question.
 A = Hypothalamus
 B = Pituitary gland
 C = Thyroid gland
 D = Adrenal glands
 E = Ovaries
 F = Testes
SA
M
Key terms: Adrenal glands, Ovaries,
Thyroid, Pituitary Gland, Testes,
Hypothalamus.
Select two of the glands above and
outline the main hormones released.
(2 marks)
Pituitary gland = ACTH/Oxytocin
Thyroid gland = Thyroxine
Adrenal gland = Adrenaline/Cortisol
Ovaries = Oestrogen
Testes = Testosterone
Q3 Fill in the blanks
Below is an explanation of how the endocrine system triggers the fight or flight
response. Using the key terms below, fill in the blanks.
The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline which prepares the body
for fight or flight. When these hormones circulate through the body, it causes a
number of physiological changes, including: increased heart rate which pushes blood
to the muscles, heart and other vital organs. Breathing becomes more rapid to
increase our intake of oxygen. These hormones also trigger the release of glucose to
support energy to the body for the fight-or-fight response.
Key term: Glucose, Adrenaline, Blood, Oxygen, Noradrenaline, Heart.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q4 Match them up
Match the hormones on the left, with their effect on the right.
HORMONE
EFFECT
Responsible for regulating metabolism.
Oestrogen
Responsible for the development of
male sex characteristics during puberty
while also promoting muscle growth.
Adrenaline
The key hormone in the fight or flight
response.
Cortisol
Stimulates the adrenal cortex and the
release of cortisol during the stress
response.
PL
Thyroxine
E
Testosterone
Stimulates the release of glucose to
provide the body with energy, while
supressing the immune system.
SA
M
Adrenocortical trophic
hormone (ACTH)
Controls the regulation of the female
reproductive system, including the
menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Q5 Spot the mistakes
Below is an answer to the following question: Describe the functions of the
endocrine system. (6 marks) The answer contains 6 mistakes. Can you highlight all 6
mistakes and say why they’re wrong?
The function of the endocrine system is to regulate the activity of organs within the
body. For example, the job of the hypothalamus pituitary gland is to influence the
release of hormones from other glands within the body.
The pituitary gland has two lobes and the posterior anterior lobe which releases
ACTH which stimulates the adrenal medulla cortex to release cortisol when we are
stressed. In turn, cortisol stimulates the release glucose to provide the body with
energy while enhancing suppressing the immune system.
Another gland, the thyroid gland, is responsible for the release of melatonin
thyroxine, which plays an important role in biological rhythms, including the sleepwake cycle and metabolism.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Title: Biopsychology
Topic: The function of the endocrine system: glands and hormones.
Q1
A
B
C
D
MCQ: Which of the following statements about the hypothalamus is false? The
hypothalamus…
regulates the endocrine system.
is physically connected to the pituitary gland.
stimulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
is sometimes known as the master gland.
PL
E
Q2 Label the endocrine system
Label the endocrine system using the key terms below and answer the additional
question.
 A=
 B=
 C=
 D=
 E=
 F=
SA
M
Key terms: Adrenal glands, Ovaries,
Thyroid, Pituitary Gland, Testes,
Hypothalamus.
Select two of the glands above and
outline the main hormones
released. (2 marks)
Q3 Fill in the blanks
Below is an explanation of how the endocrine system triggers the fight or flight
response. Using the key terms below, fill in the blanks.
The adrenal medulla releases _______________ and _______________which
prepares the body for fight or flight. When these hormones circulate through the
body, it causes a number of physiological changes, including: increased __________
rate which pushes __________ to the muscles, heart and other vital organs.
Breathing becomes more rapid to increase our intake of __________. These
hormones also trigger the release of __________ to support energy to the body for
the fight-or-fight response.
Key term: Glucose, Adrenaline, Blood, Oxygen, Noradrenaline, Heart.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q4 Match them up
Match the hormones on the left, with their effect on the right.
HORMONE
EFFECT
Responsible for regulating metabolism.
Oestrogen
Responsible for the development of
male sex characteristics during puberty
while also promoting muscle growth.
Adrenaline
The key hormone in the fight or flight
response.
Cortisol
Stimulates the adrenal cortex and the
release of cortisol during the stress
response.
PL
Thyroxine
E
Testosterone
Stimulates the release of glucose to
provide the body with energy, while
supressing the immune system.
SA
M
Adrenocortical trophic
hormone (ACTH)
Controls the regulation of the female
reproductive system, including the
menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Q5 Spot the mistakes
Below is an answer to the following question: Describe the functions of the
endocrine system. (6 marks) The answer contains 6 mistakes. Can you highlight all 6
mistakes and say why they’re wrong?
The function of the endocrine system is to regulate the activity of organs within the
body. For example, the job of the hypothalamus is to influence the release of
hormones from other glands within the body.
The pituitary gland has two lobes and the posterior lobe which releases ACTH which
stimulates the adrenal medulla to release cortisol when we are stressed. In turn,
cortisol stimulates the release glucose to provide the body with energy while
enhancing the immune system.
Another gland, the thyroid gland, is responsible for the release of melatonin, which
plays an important role in biological rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle and
metabolism.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Title: Biopsychology
Topic: The fight or flight response including the role of adrenaline.
True or false? During the fight or flight response…
the process of salvation is inhibited
blood is diverted away from the surface of the skin
the process of digestion is stimulated
respiration increases
the adrenal cortex secretes adrenaline into the blood stream
there is a decrease in the release of noradrenaline
pupils dilate
True
True
False
True
False
False
True
E
Q1
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
PL
Q2 Fill in the blanks
Complete the diagram outlining the Fight or Flight response, using the key terms
listed below.
A person enters a stressful/dangerous situation.
SA
M
The amygdala (part of the limbic system) is activated which send a distress signal
to the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus activates the sympathomedullary pathway – the pathway
running to the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
The SNS stimulates the adrenal medulla, part of the adrenal gland.
The adrenal medulla secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline into
the bloodstream.
Adrenaline causes a number of physiological changes to prepare the body for
fight or flight.
Key terms: Hypothalamus, Sympathomedullary Pathway, Adrenal medulla,
Adrenaline, Fight or Flight, Noradrenalin, Limbic System.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q3 Evaluating ‘Fight or Flight’
For each of the evaluation points described below, explain why they are an issue for
the fight or flight response.
This suggests that the fight or flight
Gray (1988) suggests that the first explanation of behaviour is limited and
response to danger is not to fight or flight doesn’t fully explain the complex cognitive
but to avoid confrontation altogether, and biological factors that underpin the
which is known as ‘freeze’.
human response to stress/danger.
E
Therefore, while the original fight or flight
explanation may have been limited in its
application to females, this has prompted
more recent research which has provided
an alternate explanation which is
applicable to females.
PL
According to Taylor et al. (2000), women
are more likely to protect their offspring
(tending) and form alliances with other
women (befriend), rather than fight an
adversary or flee.
This matters because the activation of the
fight or flight response can increase blood
pressure and cause damage to blood
vessels and contribute to heart disease.
This suggests that the fight or flight
response is a maladaptive response in
modern-day life.
SA
M
Modern day life rarely requires such an
intense biological response and repeated
activation of the fight or flight response
can have a negative consequence on our
health, e.g. raised blood pressure and
heart disease.
Q4 Apply your knowledge
Below is an answer to the following question: Outline the function of adrenaline in
the fight-or-flight response. (4 marks)
Adrenaline is secreted from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream, leading to a
number of physiological changes. Firstly, our heart rate increases*, secondly, our
pupils dilates* and thirdly, there is a reduction in the functioning of non-essential
functions, for example the digestive system.*
This answer is likely to achieve 2 marks, because it has not explained why these
changes occur. Rewrite the answer below, expanding on each sentence where there
is an asterisk *.
Adrenaline is secreted from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream, leading to a
number of physiological changes. Firstly, our heart rate increases* to increase blood
flow to organs and the movement of adrenaline around the body, secondly, our
pupils dilates* to increase light entry into the eye and enhance vision and thirdly,
there is a reduction in the functioning of non-essential functions, for example the
digestive system, to increase the energy supply to other essential functions.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Title: Biopsychology
Topic: The fight or flight response including the role of adrenaline.
True or false? During the fight or flight response…
the process of salvation is inhibited
blood is diverted away from the surface of the skin
the process of digestion is stimulated
respiration increases
the adrenal cortex secretes adrenaline into the blood stream
there is a decrease in the release of noradrenaline
pupils dilate
E
Q1
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
PL
Q2 Fill in the blanks
Complete the diagram outlining the Fight or Flight response, using the key terms
listed below.
A person enters a stressful/dangerous situation.
SA
M
The ______________________________ (part of the
______________________________) is activated which send a distress signal to
the ______________________________.
The hypothalamus activates the ______________________________ – the
pathway running to the adrenal medulla and the
______________________________.
The SNS stimulates the ______________________________, part of the adrenal
gland.
The adrenal medulla secretes the hormones ______________________________
and ______________________________ into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline causes a number of physiological changes to prepare the body for
______________________________.
Key terms: Hypothalamus, Sympathomedullary Pathway, Adrenal medulla,
Adrenaline, Fight or Flight, Noradrenalin, Limbic System.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
Q3 Evaluating ‘Fight or Flight’
For each of the evaluation points described below, explain why they are an issue for
the fight or flight response.
PL
According to Taylor et al. (2000), women
are more likely to protect their offspring
(tending) and form alliances with other
women (befriend), rather than fight an
adversary or flee.
E
Gray (1988) suggests that the first
response to danger is not to fight or flight
but to avoid confrontation altogether,
which is known as ‘freeze’.
Modern day life rarely requires such an
intense biological response and repeated
activation of the fight or flight response
can have a negative consequence on our
health, e.g. raised blood pressure and
heart disease.
SA
M
Q4 Apply your knowledge
Below is an answer to the following question: Outline the function of adrenaline in
the fight-or-flight response. (4 marks)
Adrenaline is secreted from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream, leading to a
number of physiological changes. Firstly, our heart rate increases*, secondly, our
pupils dilates* and thirdly, there is a reduction in the functioning of non-essential
functions, for example the digestive system.*
This answer is likely to achieve 2 marks, because it has not explained why these
changes occur. Rewrite the answer below, expanding on each sentence where there
is an asterisk *.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015
A person enters a stressful/dangerous situation.
The amygdala (part of the limbic system) is activated which send a distress signal
to the hypothalamus.
E
The hypothalamus activates the sympathomedullary pathway (SAM pathway) –
the pathway running to the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system
(SNS)
PL
The SNS stimulates the adrenal medulla, part of the adrenal gland.
The adrenal medulla secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline into
the bloodstream.
SA
M
Adrenaline causes a number of physiological changes to prepare the body for
fight or flight.
© tutor2u AQA A Level Psychology Topic Worksheet (Edition 1)
Specification 7181, 7182 For Teaching from September 2015