Biopsychology - The Nervous System

Question 1

What are the features of the nervous system?

Answer 1

The nervous system is a specialised network of cells and our primary communication system. It is based on electrical signals whereas the endocrine system is based on hormones.

Question 2

What are the nervous systems two main functions?

Answer 2

1. To collect process and respond to information in the environment.
2. To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body.

Question 3

What is the structure of the central nervous system?

Answer 3

It is comprised of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 4

What is the role of the brain in the central nervous system?

Answer 4

• The brain is the centre of conscious awareness.
• The outer layer of the brain, the cerebral cortex is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our high mental functions from those of animals.
• Whip The brain is divided into two hemispheres.

Question 5

What is the spinal cords role in the CNS?

Answer 5

• The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is responsible for reflex actions.
• It passes messages to and from the brain and connect nerve to the peripheral nervous system.

Question 6

What is the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 6

• The peripheral nervous system transmits messages via millions of neurons to and from the nervous system.
• The PNS is further divided into the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.

Question 7

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system and what are the subdivisions it can be divided into?

Answer 7

• Governs automatic vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress response.
• It is divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 8

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 8

The sympathetic nervous system activates the body’s fight or flight response increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, inhibiting digestion and releasing adrenaline to prepare for action during stress.

Question 9

What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 9

Also known as rest and digest it takes over once the threat has passed and returns the body into its resting state.

Question 10

What will happen to the body in a sympathetic state?

Answer 10

Increased heart rate
Increased breathing rate
Dilated pupils
Inhibits digestion
Inhibits saliva production
Contacts rectum

Question 11

What is the parasympathetic state?

Answer 11

Decreased heart rate
Decreased breathing rate
Constricts pupils
Stimulates digestion
Stimulates saliva production
Relaxes rectum.