TCE Psychology — Level 3
Nervous System — Flashcards & Quiz
The nervous system is the biological basis of behaviour and experience. TCE Psychology Level 3 distinguishes the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) from the peripheral nervous system (somatic and autonomic divisions), and asks you to describe neuronal structure, synaptic transmission, and the role of key neurotransmitters in behaviour.
Key Points
- Central nervous system (CNS): brain and spinal cord. Integrates information and controls responses.
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS): nerves outside CNS. Divided into somatic (voluntary, motor control) and autonomic (involuntary, organ function).
- Autonomic further divides into sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest).
- Neuron structure: dendrites (receive), cell body (process), axon (transmit), terminals (release neurotransmitters).
- Action potential: all-or-nothing electrical signal travelling down the axon. Threshold must be reached for firing.
- Neurotransmitters: dopamine (reward, movement), serotonin (mood), GABA (inhibition), glutamate (excitation), acetylcholine (muscle, memory).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing CNS (brain + spinal cord) with PNS (peripheral nerves).
- Mixing up sympathetic (arousal) and parasympathetic (calming) divisions.
- Forgetting that action potentials are all-or-nothing — they don't vary in strength, only in frequency.
- Confusing neurotransmitters with hormones — neurotransmitters act at synapses, hormones in the blood.
- Missing specific neurotransmitter functions (e.g. dopamine and Parkinson's, serotonin and depression).
Exam Strategy
TASC Level 3 nervous system questions ask you to describe anatomy, explain synaptic transmission, or link neurotransmitters to behaviour. Method: (1) outline CNS/PNS divisions, (2) describe a neuron and action potential, (3) explain synaptic transmission with a named neurotransmitter, (4) link the neurotransmitter to a specific behaviour or disorder.
Sample Flashcards
Q1: Describe the organisation of the human nervous system.
The nervous system divides into the central nervous system (CNS: brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS comprises the somatic nervous system (voluntary movement) and autonomic nervous system (ANS: involuntary functions). The ANS further divides into the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight activation) and parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest restoration).
Sample Quiz Questions
Q1: The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
Answer: FALSE
The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the rest-and-digest response, returning the body to a calm state after the threat has passed.
Revision Tip
Neurotransmitter-behaviour pairs are classic flashcard content — drill a Revizi deck with 5-6 neurotransmitters and their functions.
Last updated: March 2026 · 1 flashcards · 1 quiz questions