CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM Flashcards
What is the central nervous system?
Made up of brain and spinal cord and is responsible for processing and coordinating all info from the body
The main functions of the central nervous system
- receives sensory input from the body
- processes and interprets info
- sends motor commands to body
- controls reflexes, conscious thought, emotions, voluntary movement
What is the brain?
Main organ on CNS - consists of multiple regions responsible for specific behaviours and functions eg. Thought, memory, language, emotion
What is the spinal cord?
Long bundle of nerves that connects brain to the rest of the body , transmits messages to and from the brain and controls reflexes
What are neurons
Nerve cells that carry messages via electrical and chemical signals
The three types of neuron
- sensory neuron
- motor neurons
- relay neurons
Role of sensory neuron
Carry info from sensory receptors (eg. Skin, eyes) to CNS
Role of motor neurons
Carry commands from CNS to muscles and glands to produce movement
Role of relay neurons
Found in brain and spinal cord , connect sensory and motor neurons , allowing for complex processing
What is a synapse
A gap between neurons where messages are transferred via neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission
What is a neurotransmitter
A chemical messenger that passes across a synapse to trigger a message in the next neuron
Examples of neurotransmitters
- dopamine
- serotonin
- GABA
- endorphins
What are reflexes
Automatic involuntary responses to stimuli that bypass the brain and processed by spinal cord for speed
Lateralisation of function
The idea that two brain hemispheres have specialised functions
Left hemisphere: language, logic
Right hemisphere: spatial ability, creativity
