GCSE Psychology: Brain & Neuropsychology Revision

Brain & Neuropsychology is a core part of GCSE Psychology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

CNSCentral nervous system: brain and spinal cord.

PNSPeripheral NS: nerves outside CNS.

Somatic NSVoluntary movement and sensory input.

Autonomic NSAutomatic control of organs and glands.

Sympathetic NSFight-or-flight branch of autonomic NS.

Parasympathetic NSRest-and-digest branch of autonomic NS.

Sensory neuronCarries signals from receptors to the CNS.

Motor neuronCarries signals from CNS to muscles.

Relay neuronLinks sensory and motor neurons in CNS.

Synaptic transmissionChemical signal crossing the synapse.

Endocrine systemNetwork of glands releasing hormones.

AdrenalineHormone driving the fight-or-flight response.

Reflex arcFast pathway: receptor, relay, effector.

EffectorMuscle or gland that performs the response.

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

How do neurons pass signals to each other?✗ By touching directly and passing electricity across. ✓ Chemically, across a gap called the synapse.

Which side of the body does the left hemisphere control?✗ The left (same) side. ✓ The right (opposite/contralateral) side.

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic: