Divisions of the nervous system

Question 1

Nervous system

Answer 1

Network of neurons and fibres, which transmit messages between different parts of the body

Body’s electrical wiring

Splits into CNS and PNS

Question 2

CNS

Answer 2

Concerned with all life functions and physiological processes

Splits to spinal cord and brain

Question 3

Spinal cord

Answer 3

Part of CNS

Passes information to and from the brain

Responsible for reflex actions

Question 4

Brain

Answer 4

Part of CNS

Control centre for the nervous system and maintains life and physiological processes

Question 5

PNS

Answer 5

Transmits information to and from the CNS

Splits to somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system

Question 6

Somatic nervous system

Answer 6

Part of PNS

Transmits information to and from the senses to and from CNS

Voluntary motor processes

Question 7

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 7

Part of PNS

Transmits information to and from internal organs to sustain life processes

Involuntary processes (e.g. that keep us alive)

Splits to sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

Question 8

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer 8

Increases bodily activities

• increases BR
• increases HR
• increases glucose levels
• increases oxygen flow to muscles
• switches off digestion to let resources be used elsewhere

Question 9

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 9

Maintains or decreases bodily activity

• decreases BR
• decreases HR
• decreases glucose levels
• decreases oxygen flow to muscles
• body returns to a state of homeostasis