Biopysch: The Divisions Of The Nervous System

Question 1

What is the nervous system

Answer 1

A specialised network of cells which is our primary internal communication system. It collects, processes and responds to external stimuli

Question 2

What are the two subsystems in the nervous system

Answer 2

The central nervous system: brain and spinal cord

The peripheral nervous system: billions of neurons transmitting from the CNS to the body

Question 3

What is the peripheral nervous system divided into

Answer 3

Autonomic nervous system: controls bodily functions e.g heart rate, fight or flight response

Somatic nervous system: controls muscle movement and sensory input

Question 4

What is the endocrine system

Answer 4

This also controls functions and organs in the body, but does so at a much slower pace through the blood steam

Question 5

What are the main glands in the endocrine system

Answer 5

Hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes

Question 6

What are the main hormones released from these glands

Answer 6

Adrenaline, thyroxine, cortisol, insulin, melatonin, testosterone and oestrogen

Question 7

The process of the flight or fight response

Answer 7

• threat is perceived
• hypothalamus triggers activity in sympathetic branch of ANS
• triggers nerve impulses (adrenaline) as a neurotransmitter which activates physiological arousal
  Sympathetic nervous system - heart rate increase etc
• prepares body for action, automatic reaction
• once threat passed, parasympathetic NS activates to return body to normal e.g heart & breathing slow etc