5.1.5 Animal Responses Flashcards
What is the role of the central nervous system?
Co-ordination of impulses
What is the role of peripheral nervous system?
Sensing stimuli from environment and controlling the effectors’ response
What is the functional organisation of the nervous system?
Somatic and Autonomic
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
Under conscious control of voluntary motor movements and processing sensory stimuli
Carries impulses to muscle
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
Subconscious control - automatic movements.
Carries impulses to glands, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle
Describe the neurones in the parasympathetic nervous system
Long pre-ganglionic neurone
Short post-ganglionic neurone
Releases acetylcholine at neurotransmitter
Describe the neurones in the sympathetic nervous system
Short pre-ganglionic neurone
Long post-ganglionic neurone
Releases noradrenaline at neurotransmitter
Describe the gross structure of the brain
Protected by skull and surrounded by meninges (protective membranes)
What are the five main areas of the brain?
- Cerebrum
- Medulla oblongata
- Cerebellum
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
Describe, and state the function of, the cerebrum
Structure: The main part of the brain (split into 2 hemispheres) - highly convoluted, with an outer lining (cerebral cortex).
Function: co-ordinates voluntary, and some involuntary, movements. Different areas receive sensory input from receptors in sense organs and pass on info to association areas
State the function of the cerebellum
Co-ordinates muscular movement, balance and posture. Receives input from ears and muscles & tendons, then relays to the motor cortex in cerebrum
State the function of the medulla oblongata
Contains many regulatory systems (e.g. blood glucose conc) that control involuntary actions. Also involved in control of voluntary movements and relaying signals to CNS
State the function of the hypothalamus
Main controlling region for the ANS - has two centres for parasympathetic and sympathetic systems.
- Controls complex behaviours (e.g. sleeping, eating)
- Monitors contents of blood (glucose conc)
- Produces hormones
State the function of the pituitary gland
Controls most glands in the body, divided into 2 sections:
Anterior - produces hormones involved in growth, sexual development and skin pigmentation e.g. FSH
Posterior - stores and releases hormones made in hypothalamus - ADH, Oxytocin
State and describe an example of a spinal reflex
Knee Jerk: 1) Tap causes patellar tendon to stretch
2) Reflex arc occurs - extensor muscle on top of thigh contracts whilst flexor muscle relaxes
3) Leg kicks
For maintaining balance and posture
State and describe an example of a cranial reflex
Blinking: 1) Cornea irritated (touch) - triggers impulse to lower brain stem
2) Impulse initiates closing of eyelids (consensual response - both eyelids close)
Reflex indicates functioning of lower brain stem