Nervous System Flashcards
What is the function of the Nervous System?
Homeostasis
Provide Sensation
Response to input - emotional or activate muscles (voluntary control of movement)
Memory and learning
What are the 3 main sections of the Nervous System?
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
What is the Central Nervous System responsible for?
Brain
Spinal Cord
Cerebra (spinal fluid)
Meninges
What is the Spinal Cord and what is its function?
The spinal cord conveys sensory impulses from one area of the spine to another. It allows and co-ordinates spinal reflex actions. This action protects the body from danger before any harm is caused.
Where is the Spinal Cord?
The spinal cord is a continuation of the medulla oblongata and extends downwards through the vertebral column, finishing on a level with the lumbar vertebrae.
What is the Brains function in terms of the Nervous System?
The brain is the most important part of the nervous system, as it is the main communication centre. It stores messages from the body, transmits messages via motor nerves, controls sleep pattern, controls feeding, memory etc
How is the brain protected?
The brain is protected firstly by the cranial bones of the skull. Then, by the cranial meninges, which are 3 membranes that cushion the brain and contain blood vessels. Finally, the subarachnoid space, which contains the spinal fluid that acts as a further cushion and supplies nutrients.
What is the Cerebrum?
This is the largest region of the brain and is split into 2 hemispheres and has a surface called grey matter. It enables all the senses and also controls muscular movement, emotions, thought processes and personality traits.
