Biopsychology - Divisions of the Nervous System Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
The nervous system is a specialised network of cells and our primary communication system. It is divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
What are the nervous system’s two main functions?
- To collect, process and respond to information in the environment.
- To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body.
What is the structure and function of the central nervous system?
- The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
- The brain is the centre of all conscious awareness.
- The outer layer of the brain, the cerebral cortex, is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of animals.
- The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is responsible for reflex actions.
- It passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS.
What is the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system?
- The PNS transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the nervous system.
- The PNS is further sub-divided into the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.
What is the somatic nervous system?
The SNS controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors.
What is the autonomic nervous system?
The ANS governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress responses. It is split into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous.
What is the difference between the sympathetic state and the parasympathetic state?
Sympathetic State:
- increases heart rate
- increases breathing rate
- dilates pupils
- inhibits digestion
- inhibits saliva production
- contracts rectum
Parasympathetic State:
- decreases heart rate
- decreases breathing rate
- constricts pupils
- stimulates digestion
- stimulates saliva production
- relaxes rectum
