biopsych Flashcards
What is the nervous system? (1 mark):
A network of cells in the human body, the body’s primary internal communication system.
What is the function of the nervous system? (2 marks):
To collect, process and respond to information from the environment (1) and to control
organs and cells in the body (1).
what is the Central Nervous System (CNS) made up of?
brain and spinal cord
what are the functions of the brain (2 minimum)?
Receives and processes
information from the
senses e.g. visual cortex
processes visual info.
The centre of conscious
awareness
Responsible for higher
mental functions
Generates emotion and
thoughts
Initiates responses
Stores memories
what are the functions of the spinal cord?
Conducts signals (sends
messages) to and from the
brain
Connects nerves to the
PNS
Controls reflex actions e.g.
removing a hand when it
touches a hot plate
what does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) do?
Sends messages to and from the central nervous
system via neurons
the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is subdivided into?
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Somatic Nervous System
what’s are the functions of Somatic Nervous System (2 minimum)?
Responsible for voluntary
movements such as walking
Transmits information from the
brain to control skeletal muscles
SNS carries commands from
(controlled by) the motor cortex.
Connects the CNS and the senses
and integrates the brain with the
outside world
what are the functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (2 minimum)?
Responsible for involuntary
responses for vital functions e.g
breathing, digestion and the stress
response, heart rate
Controls smooth and cardiac muscle
and glands
ANS control centres are in the brain stem.
the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is further subdivided into?
sympathetic branch and parasympathetic branch
sympathetic branch
fight or flight response
parasympathetic branch
conserve & restore body energy when relaxed
