Divisions of the nervous system

Question 1

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Answer 1

Central nervous system (CNS)
made up of brain and spinal cord. The origin of all complex commands and decisions.

PerPeripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Transmits messages (nerve impulses) via millions of neurons (nerve cells) to and from the CNS
ipheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 2

What are the sub-divisions of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 2

Brain
It is the centre of all conscious awareness and higher mental functions.
It consists of many regions, which are responsible for different functions

Spinal cord
Transfer messages to and from the brain
Connects nerves to the PNS

Question 3

What are the sub-divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Answer 3

Somatic nervous system (SNS)
Controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Controls vital internal functions e.g. breathing, heart rate, digestion, stress response, sexual arousal

Question 4

Name and describe the parts of the autonomic nervous system.

Answer 4

Sympathetic nervous system
Activates the adrenal gland (medulla)
– fight or flight response

Parasympathetic nervous system
Slows down the changes made by the sympathetic branch (antagonistic)
– rest and digest response