Biopsychology : The nervous system and the endocrine system Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Comunicates using electrical signals
What is the central nervous system?
(CNS) Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
Sends information to the CNS from the outside world and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
What is the Somatic nervous system (SNS)?
transmitts information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. It also recieves information from the CNS that directs muscles to act
What is the Autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. It is autonomic as the system operates involuntarily. It has two main divisions the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
What is the nervous system?
A specialised netwrok of cells in the human body and is our primary communication system
What is the nervous system based on?
Electrical and chemical signals
What is the endocrine system based on?
Hormones
What are the nervous systems two main functions?
To collect, process and respond to information in the environment.
To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body.
What two sub-systems is the nervous system devided into?
Central nervous system (CNS)
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What is the CNS made up of?
Brain
Spinal cord
The brain is the centre of what?
conscious awareness
What is the outer layer of the brain called?
Cerebal cortex
3 facts about the cerebal cortex?
only 3mm thick
covers the brain like an orange peel
is only found in mammals
How is the human brain different from an animal brain?
Highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions.
Only a few living creatures - sponges, sea quirts, jellyfish - do not have a brain