divisions of the nervous system

Question 1

What is the nervous system? (1m)

Answer 1

• network of cells
• in human body
• body’s internal communication sysytem

Question 2

What is the function of the nervous system? (2m)

Answer 2

• collect, process and respond to information
• from environment
• control organs and cells in body

Question 3

What is the nervous system subdivided into?

Answer 3

• central nervous system (CNS)
• peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 4

What is the central nervous system subdivided into?

Answer 4

• brain
• spinal cord

Question 5

Brain

Answer 5

• receives and processes information from senses
• central of conscious awareness
• responsible for higher mental functions
• generates emotion and thoughts
• initiates responses
• stores memories

Question 6

What are higher mental functions?

Answer 6

• human ability to take knowledge and learning
• use it to create new ideas, things, concepts

Question 7

Spinal cord

Answer 7

• conducts signals to and from brain
• connects nerves to PNS
• controls reflex actions e.g. remove hand touch hot plate

Question 8

What is the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 8

• sends messages to and from CNS
• via neurones
• helps communicate with world

Question 9

What is the peripheral nervous system subdivided into?

Answer 9

• autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• somatic nervous system

Question 10

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 10

• responsible for involuntary response for vital functions e.g. breathing
• controls smooth and cardiac muscles and glands
• ANS control centre in the brain stem

Question 11

What is the autonomic nervous system subdivided into?

Answer 11

• sympathetic branch
  . fight or flight response
• parasympathetic branch
  . conserve and restore body energy
  when relaxed
  . rest and digest

Question 12

Somatic nervous system

Answer 12

• responsible for voluntary movement e.g. walking
• transmits info from brain to control skeletal muscles
• carries commands from motor cortex
• connects CNS and senses
• integrates brain with outside world

Question 13

Structure and function of the nervous system AO1 model answer (6m)

Answer 13

1. NS split into two main parts - CNS and PNS
   2.CNS subdivided into brain and spinal cord
   brain responsible = higher mental functioning
   spinal cord = reflex actions and transmitting
   information to and from brain
2. PNS subdivided into ANS and SNS
3. ANS = involuntary functions e.g. breathing
4. ANS subdivided into sympathetic (fight or flight)
   parasympathetic (rest and digest)
5. SNS = voluntary movements e.g. walking
   transmits information from brain to skeletal muscles