biopsych - divisions of nervous system

Question 1

What is the nervous system?
(1 mark)

Answer 1

A network of cells in the human body - the body’s internal communication system

Question 2

What is the function of the nervous system?
(2 marks)

Answer 2

To collect, process and respond to information from the environment (1)
To control organs and cells in the body (1)

Question 3

What is the nervous system split up into?

Answer 3

• Peripheral nervous system (1)
• Central nervous system (1)

Question 4

What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 4

• Sends messages to and from the central nervous system
• via neurons

Question 5

What is the central nervous system split up into?

Answer 5

• Brain
• Spinal cord

Question 6

What is the function of the brain?

Answer 6

• Receives and processes information from the senses (e.g. visual cortex processes visual information)
• centre of conscious awareness
• responsible for higher mental functions (e.g. thinking)
• generates emotion and thoughts
• initiates responses
• stores memories

Question 7

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Answer 7

• Conducts signals to and from the brain
• Connects nerves to the PNS
• Controls reflex actions e.g. removing a hand when it touches a hot plate

Question 8

What are the two divisions of the PNS?

Answer 8

• Autonomic nervous system
• Somatic nervous system

Question 9

What is the ANS divided into?

Answer 9

• Sympathetic branch
• Parasympathetic branch

Question 10

What is the sympathetic branch responsible for?

Answer 10

Fight or flight response

Question 11

What is the parasympathetic branch responsible for?

Answer 11

Conserve and restore body when relaxed

Question 12

Outline the differences between the ANS and SNS

Answer 12

• ANS responsible for involuntary responses for vital functions e.g. breathing, digestion, stress, heart rate WHEREAS the SNS is responsible for voluntary movements e.g. walking
• ANS Controls smooth and cardiac muscles/glands WHEREAS SNS transmits information from the brain to control skeletal muscles
• ANS control centres are in the brain stem WHEREAS SNS carries commands from the motor cortex. SNS connects the CNS and the senses and integrates the brain with the outside world