1.

Outline the role of the CNS (3 marks) ​(2/3 marks)

The CNS is the centre of all conscious awareness. It consists of the brain and spinal cord; in
general, it controls basic but vital functions and is in charge of processing and sending
information around the body. ​The spinal cord is involved in reflexes. Cerebellum, cerebral cortex
(temporal, frontal, parietal, occipital), diencephalon, brain stem.

2. Outline the role of the ANS in behaviour. Refer to Patrick’s experience in your answer
(4 marks)
Patrick sees the animal in the road (which causes the sympathomedullary pathway (SAM) to be
activated), his amygdala associated it as a threat, therefore sending a signal to the
hypothalamus which uses the sympathetic NS to communicate with the rest of the body. When
the sympathetic NS is triggered it sends a signal to the adrenal medulla which releases
adrenaline; in turn increasing the heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure (also affected by
noradrenaline), which increases the oxygenated blood flow to the muscles allowing them to
react ‘faster’ (Patrick quickly swerves the car out of the way). The parasympathetic NS kicks
afters some time, as the threat has passed after moments, allowing the stress response to be
dampened down. The parasympathetic slows the heart rate, and reduces the blood pressure,
returning to homeostasis. This explains why Patrick has calmed down by the time the police
arrived.

3. Match the statements with the correct letter. ​(3 marks)

C, A, B

4. Explain the nature of synaptic transmission (4 marks) ​(3/4 marks)

As the action potential signal travels down the axon and reaches the synaptic vessels/vesicles,
causing them to release neurotransmitters (exocytosis). The released neurotransmitter from the
presynaptic knob diffuse across the synaptic junction and binds to specific receptor sites on the
post-synaptic knob (endocytosis). Once activated, the receptor sites produce either excitatory or
inhibitory effects (the excitatory and inhibitory effects are summed and the net effect will
determine how likely the neuron is to fire. The neurotransmitter is reabsorbed by the reuptake
sites on the presynaptic knob.

5. Explain the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. (3 marks)

(2/3 marks)
Excitatory neurotransmitters (such as noradrenaline and acetylcholine) act as an ‘on’ switch for
the nervous systems. This increases the likelihood of excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP),
meaning the post-synaptic knob is more likely to fire.
Inhibitory neurotransmitters (such as GABA) act as the ‘off’ switch for the nervous systems.
Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) means that the post-synaptic knob is less likely to fire.