3.1

Question 1

What are the two main components of the nervous system?

Answer 1

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Structure of the Nervous System

Question 2

What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) include?

Answer 2

Brain and spinal cord

Structure of the Nervous System

Question 3

What does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) include?

Answer 3

Peripheral nerves which branch off from spinal cord and go to arms, legs, torso etc.

Structure of the Nervous System

Question 4

What is the function of the Brain in the CNS?

Answer 4

Processing of information

Function of CNS

Question 5

What is the function of the Spinal Cord in the CNS?

Answer 5

Connects brain to PNS

Function of CNS

Question 6

What is the function of the Peripheral Nerves in the CNS?

Answer 6

Carries information to and from all parts of the body

Function of CNS

Question 7

What is the function of the Peripheral Nerves in the PNS?

Answer 7

Carries information to and from all parts of the body

Function of PNS

Question 8

The PNS can be split into two parts:

Answer 8

The Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS

Question 9

What does The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) control?

Answer 9

• Involuntary movements.
• Controls heartbeat, breathing rate and intestinal
secretions.
• Controls functions which bring about a steady internal state within the body

Question 10

What does The Somatic Nervous System (SNS) control?

Answer 10

• Voluntary movements of the skeletal muscle

Question 11

What do sympathetic fibres within the nervous system do?

Answer 11

Speed things up - preparing the body for action.

Example: Speeds up breathing and heart rate

Question 12

What do parasympathetic fibres within the nervous system do?

Answer 12

Slow things down - preparing the body for rest, digest, and recovery.

Question 13

How do sympathetic and parasympathetic fibres interact?

Answer 13

They are antagonistic, exerting opposing forces and working against each other.

Question 14

What are neurons?

Answer 14

Cells which make up the nervous system are called neurons. They transmit information through electrical impulses.

Example: Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the rest of the body.

Question 15

How do neurons form pathways through the nervous system?

Answer 15

Neurons connect to each other through synapses form pathways through the nervous system.

Example: Synapses allow for communication between neurons.

Question 16

What is a converging neural pathway?

Answer 16

A converging neural pathway is where impulses from several small neurons meet to stimulate one larger neuron. This is sometimes known as summation.

Example: The retina at the back of the eye is an example of a converging neural pathway.

Question 17

What is a diverging neural pathway?

Answer 17

A diverging neural pathway is where neurotransmitters from one large neuron simultaneously stimulate several small neurons.

Example: Nerves in the hand demonstrate a diverging neural pathway.

Question 18

What is a reverberating neural pathway?

Answer 18

A reverberating neural pathway is where impulses are cycled back through the pathway continuously.

Example: Breathing muscles in the lungs and ribcage utilize a reverberating neural pathway.