Chapter 6: Biopsychology Flashcards
what is the nervous system?
a specialised network of cells and our primary communication system. it is divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
what are the two main functions of the nervous system?
to collect, process and respond to information in the environment.
to coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body.
what is the central nervous system (CNS) made up of?
the brain and the spinal cord.
what is the brain and its function in the CNS?
the brain is the centre of all conscious awareness.
the outer layer of the brain which is the cerebral cortex is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of animals.
what is the spinal cord and its function in the CNS?
the spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is responsible for reflex actions.
it passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
what is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) made up of?
it is subdivided into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system (SNS).
what is the function of the PNS?
the peripheral nervous system transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the nervous system.
what is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
the ANS governs vital functions in the body, such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress responses.
it can also be subdivided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
what is the function of the somatic nervous system?
the SNS controls muscle movement and receives information from the sensory receptors.
what are the functions of the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system?
parasympathetic nervous system- calms the body to conserve and maintain energy.
sympathetic nervous system- arouses the body to expend energy.
