divisionsofNS Flashcards
what is the nervous system
specialised network of cells in the human body
our primal internal communication system
what signals is the nervous system based on
electrical and chemical signals
what are the nervous systems 2 main functions
collect, process and respond to info in the environment
coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
what does the CNS consist of
the brain and spinal cord
what is the brain the centre of
all conscious awareness
what does the brain control
all the body’s functions
what is the brains outer layer, and what is it involved in
cerebral cortex:
higher cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor functions
highly developed in humans, distinguishes our higher mental functions from other animals
what is the brain divided into
2 hemispheres:
left-language
right-musical and artistic
what is the spinal cord
bundle of nerves, extension of the brain
what does the spinal cord do
-passes messages to and from the brain
-connects nerves to the PNS
what is the spinal cord responsible for
reflex actions
what does PNS stand for
peripheral nervous system
what does the PNS consist of
somatic nervous system
autonomic nervous system
what does the PNS transmit
messages via neurones to and from CNS
what is the SNS concerned with
interaction of outside world
what does the SNS control
voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
what does the SNS govern and receive
governs muscle movement
receives info from sensory receptors
what is the SNS involved in
reflexes not under control of CNS
what does the autonomic nervous system control
involuntary movement
what does the ANS govern
vital functions in the body eg breathing, heart rate etc
what is the ANS split into
sympathetic nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
what does the sympathetic NS do
helps us deal with dangers
increases blood pressure, dilates pupils, slows non essential functions
what does the parasympathetic NS do
helps relax us, functions return, everything slows down
