Nervous System Flashcards
Central Nervous System
Its main function is to process information received from the peripheral nervous system and to activate appropriate responses.
Subdivisions of the CNS
Brain and spinal cord
CNS - brain
To receive and process sensory information, initiate responses, store memories and generate thoughts and emotions
CNS - spinal cord
Receives sensory information from the body (via the PNS) and sends these messages to the brain. Also receives motor information from the brain and sends it to relevant parts of the body (via the PNS)
Sensory messages
AKA afferent messages.
They go towards the brain, afferent information is sensory information coming into the CNS (incoming information)
Motor messages
AKA efferent messages.
They go away from the brain, efferent information is motor information leaving the CNS (outgoing information)
Peripheral Nervous System
Its main function is to transmit information to and from the CNS and to other parts of the body.
Carries information from sensory organs and internal organs to the CNS.
Conveys information from the CNS to the muscles, organs and glands
Subdivisions of the PNS
Autonomic and somatic
PNS - somatic division
The somatic nervous system comprises of a network of nerves that carries sensory information to the CNS and motor information from the CNS.
Also controls voluntary body movement of the skeletal muscles.
PNS - autonomic division
Controls involuntary responses/responses that occur independently for the visceral muscles, organs and glands. (such as organs ands glands)
Conscious behaviours
being consciously aware of the movements - the voluntary movement and responses
Unconscious behaviours
Things happening without our awareness, regulates and responds to movements for survival
ANS - sympathetic NS
Activates the internal muscles, organs and glands to prepare the body for vigorous activity, or to deal with a stressful or threatening situation.
The sympathetic nervous system releases adrenaline, increases heart rate and respiration and dilates the pupils to enable better vision. To allow that to happen other psychological functions are suppressed
ANS - parasympathetic
It maintains homeostasis in times of low stress. Homeostasis is the body’s natural state of equilibrium.
Responsible for decreasing the activity of most visceral muscles, organs and glands and restoring body functioning to its normal state.
