Biopsychology Flashcards
What is the nervous system
The bodies main communication system. It is a complex network of specialised nerve cells which passes info around the body
Is the nervous system fast or slow acting
Very fast
What are the two types of nervous system
Central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What is the CNS made up of
The brain and spinal cord
What is the function of the CNS
To pass messages from the brain to the PNS
What is special about the human brain compared to other animals
We have a centre of conscious awareness- the cerebral cortex (outer layer of the brain) is highly developed compared to other animals making us more clever than other animals
What is the spinal cord
An extension of the brain, it is responsible for reflex actions
What is the PNS made up of
Nerve fibres (axons) which are connected to the CNS
What is the PNS
It sends info to the CNS from the outside world and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
What two types of PNS are there
Somatic and autonomic
What is the Somatic nervous system
It receives instructions from the CNS (motor cortex) for muscle movement
Transmits info from receptor cells in sense organs to the CNS
Is the somatic nervous system conscious or unconscious
Conscious
What is the somatic nervous system made up of
Myelinated neurones
What do myelinated neurones do
Speed up the it takes to send and receive info from the CNS
What is the autonomic nervous system
An unconscious system which is responsible for control of bodily functions e.g. digestive system and breathing
Transmits info to and from bodily organs
Acts slower than the SNS
