3.1.1 (2A+B) - the nervous system + responses

Question 1

Role of the NS

Answer 1

1. RECIEVE (external stimuli, sensory info, by sensory organs + neurons).
2. PROCESS (working out what the info is, by brain).
3. RESPOND (action/reaction to info, behaviour (voluntary or involuntary/reflex).

Question 2

Central NS

Answer 2

A major division of the NS, comprising the brain + spinal cord, which receives neural messages from + transmits neural messages to the PNS.

Question 3

Brain

Answer 3

A complex organ contained within the skull that coordinates mental processes + behaviour, and regulates bodily activity.

Question 4

Spinal cord

Answer 4

A cable of nerve tissue that extends from the brain, connecting it to the PNS.

Question 5

Peripheral NS

Answer 5

A major division of the NS comprising every neuron in the body outside the CNS (transmits neural messages between the CNS + the body).

Question 6

Somatic NS

Answer 6

Division of the PNS that Transmits neural messages related to voluntary movements (sensory neural pathways = sensory receptors to CNS, motor neural pathways = CNS to skeletal muscles).

Question 7

Autonomic NS

Answer 7

Division of the PNS that regulates visceral muscles, organs, and glands, and transmits neural messages to the CNS about their activity.

Question 8

Sympathetic NS

Answer 8

Activates visceral muscles, organs, or glands and increase physiological activity in response to increase in external demands (eg. a threat) - triggers the FFF response.

Question 9

Parasympathetic NS

Answer 9

Maintains the optimal + balanced functioning of visceral organs + glands and decreases physiological activity/regulates homeostasis, and functions such as ‘rest and digest’.

Question 10

Enteric NS

Answer 10

Network of nerves in the gut.

Question 11

The neuron

Answer 11

A nerve cell that receives + transmits neural information.

Question 12

Motor/efferent neurons

Answer 12

Neurons that transmit neural messages about motor movement from CNS to the PNS.

Question 13

Sensory/afferent neurons

Answer 13

Neurons that transmits neural messages about bodily sensations from the PNS to the CNS.

Question 14

Conscious responses

Answer 14

A deliberate + voluntary action that is initiated by the brain + performed intentionally by the body.
- Involves CNS + somatic NS.

Question 15

Unconscious response

Answer 15

An automatic + involuntary action that is performed by the body independently of the brain.