Biopsych: The nervous system Flashcards
What are the 2 main functions of the nervous system?
1) Collect, process and respond to information in the environment
2) Co-ordinate the function of different cells and organisms
What are the divisions of the nervous system?
1) The central nervous system (CNS) —> further splits into the brain and spinal cord
2) Peripheral nervous system (PNS) —> further splits into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, which then splits into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
What are the 2 main functions of the CNS?
to receive information from the senses and control the body’s responses
What is the spinal cord and what does it do?
a bundle of nerve fibres enclosed within the spinal column. Connects to nearly all parts of the body to the brain.
What does the brain do?
responsible for coordinating sensation, intellectual and nervous activity.
What is the PNS and what does it do?
Made up of all the cells outside the CNS. Relays nerve impulses to and from the CNS to the body.
What does the somatic nervous system do?
responsible for carrying sensor and motor info to and from the CNS. Also responsible for reflex actions - doesn’t involve the CNS.
What does the autonomic nervous system do?
governs the brain’s involuntary activities (heartbeat, stress) and is self-regulating
What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
Involved in responses that help us deal with fight or flight.
neurons travel to almost every gland and organ in the body to prepare it for emergencies (e.g., fight or flight).
3 examples of how the sympathetic nervous system helps us deal with fight or flight?
increased pupil size – lets in more light for better revision
increase in heart rate – allows for greater blood flow to skeletal muscles
adrenal medulla stimulated – releases adrenaline.
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
reverses the effects of the sympathetic nervous system once the emergency has passed.
