Biopsychology: The nervous system

Question 1

What is the nervous system?

Answer 1

A specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system

Question 2

What type of signals is the nervous system made up of?

Answer 2

Electrical & chemical signals

Question 3

What are the 2 main functions of the nervous system?

Answer 3

1. To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
2. To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 4

What are the 2 subsystems in the nervous system?

Answer 4

The central nervous system (CNS)

The peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 5

What is the point of the 2 subsystems?

Answer 5

The two systems are connected and work together so that the human nervous system functions effectively

Question 6

What is the CNS made up of?

Answer 6

Brain & Spinal cord

Question 7

What does the spinal cord do?

Answer 7

• an extension of the brain
• passes messages to and from the brain
• connects nerves to the PNS
• responsible for reflex actions

Question 8

What is the brain centre of?

Answer 8

All conscious awareness

Question 9

What does the PNS do?

Answer 9

Transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the central nervous system

Question 10

What is the PNS divided into and what are they responsible for?

Answer 10

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)- responsible for all vital functions found in the body, e.g. breathing, heart rate, digestion, stress receptors, sexual arousal

Somatic nervous system (SNS)-
responsible for muscle movement & recieves info from sensory receptors