Biopsychology: the nervous system

Question 1

what are the 2 main functions of the nervous syetm ? (2)

Answer 1

1. collect, process and respond to info in env
2. co-ordinate working of diff organs and cells in body

Question 2

describe the overall structure of the nervous system (4)

Answer 2

• made up of CNS and peripheral NS
• CNS made up of brain and spinal cord
• PNS made up of autonomic and somatic NS
• autonomic NS made up of parasympathetic and synpathetic NS

Question 3

describe the structure and function of the CNS (5)

Answer 3

• made up of brain + spinal cord
• brain is centre of concious awareness
• spinal cord is extension of brain responsible for reflex aactions
• passes messages to and from brain
• connects nerves to PNS

Question 4

describe the structure and function of the PNS (5)

Answer 4

• PNS transmits messages to and from nervous system
• divided into autonomic and somatic NS
• autonomic: governs unconciously controlled vital body functions eg breathing, heart rate, digestion
• somatic: controls conciously controlled functions eg muscle memory
• recieves info from sensory receptors

Question 5

compare the speed and location of effect of the nervous and endocrine systems (2)

Answer 5

• endocrine works slower
• effects of endocrine more widespread + powerful