Biopsychology - Nervous system Flashcards
What is the role of the nervous system?
To communicate messages through networks of nerve cells in our brain and body called neurons.
What are the two divisions of the nervous system?
Central and peripheral
What is the role of the Central Nervous System?
Uses the brain and spinal cord to receive, process and store information and then directs the actions of the body.
What is the role of the Peripheral Nervous System?
Acts as a two-way communication highway to the CNS. It sends sensory messages picked up from the environment to the CNS and transmits messages from the CNS to the muscles and glands.
What are the two divisions of the PNS?
Somatic nervous system and Autonomic nervous system.
What is the role of the Somatic nervous system?
Controls voluntary muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors.
What is the role of the Autonomic nervous system?
Controls automatic, vital functions in the body, such as breathing, heart rate and digestion.
What are the two divisions of the Autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic nervous system and Parasympathetic nervous system.
What is the role of the Sympathetic nervous system?
Prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ response.
Increases heart rate, increases breathing rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion and inhibits saliva production.
What is the role of the Parasympathetic nervous system?
Restores the body to ‘normal resting’ state after fight or flight response.
Decreases heart rate, decreases breathing rate, constricts pupils, stimulates digestion and stimulates saliva production.
