BIOPSYCH ( THE NERVOUS SYSTEM) Flashcards
The human nervous system is divided into two systems. Outline them and their function as well as the biological structures they comprise of
The human nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the Peripheral nervous system. The CNS comprises of the brain and spinal cord . It receives information from the senses and controls the body’s responses.
The peripheral nervous system is the part of the nervous system that is outside the brain and spinal cord.
The CNS is comprised of two structure , what are they? Outline the functions of each one
The spinal cord and the brain .
The spinal cord’s main function is to relay information between the brain and the rest of the body. It is made up of a bundle of nerve fibres connecting to nearly all parts of the body and brain. This allows the brain to monitor and regulate bodily processes such as digestion and breathing.
The brain is responsible for coordinating sensation , intellectual and nervous activity as it is divided to further areas which are responsible for specific functions.
The Peripheral nervous system is further divided into two sections the somantic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system . Outline their functions and what they are made up of
The Somatic Nervous System is the part of the PNS that is responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system. Sensory neurons relay messages to the CNS whilst Motor neurons relay information from the CNS to other parts of the body.
The autonomic nervous system Governs the brain’s involuntary activities ( heart beat) and is self regulating ( autonomous). It is divided into the sympathetic branch ( Fight or flight) and the parasympathetic branch ( rest and digest). These divisions tend to regulate the same organs but have the opposite effects
The autonomic nervous system is further divided into two. Outline the division and their functions
It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous (SNS) system is involved in response that help us deal with emergencies ( fight or flight) eg. increasing heart rate and dilating blood vessels. The SNS travel to virtually every organ and gland in the body, preparing it for the action necessary when the individual is under threat. It slows bodily processes that are less important in emergencies such as digestion and urination.
The parasympathetic nervous system relaxes the individual after flight or fight mode. The PNS slows the heartbeat down and reduces blood pressure. The PNS is involved with energy conservation and digestion , it is sometimes referred to as the body’s rest and digest system
