Nervous system Flashcards
What is homeostasis, and give an example
The maintenance of a constant internal environment
eg.
* water regulation
* temperature regulation
* gas concentrations
What is the nervous system
The nervous system is a network of nerves which
communicates between the brain and the other systems
of the body.
What are the 2 main parts of the nervous system? and what parts make up it.
1) Central Nervous System (CNS) - Brain and spinal cord
2) Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – Nerves throughout
the body
What is a stimuli, give an example
Stimuli:
Changes in the environment which can be detected by receptor cells
E.g. Temperature / Chemicals (CO2, O2) / Blood pressure
What are receptors
Receptor:
Specialized cells which detect stimuli and relay/ pass on information to the CNS
E.g.
Temperature–> Temperature receptors
Chemicals (CO2, O2)–> Chemoreceptors
Blood Pressure —> Baroreceptors
what does the medulla oblongata control?
Breathing rate, blood pressure and heart rate using ‘feedback loops’
What does the Hypothalamus
Controls?
Endocrine (hormone) system, ‘fight or flight’ responses and body temperature regulation
What does the Afferent Division do?
Receives stimuli / sensory information from receptors and relays this towards the CNS
What does the Efferent Division do?
Sends motor information from CNS towards the muscles and glands
DEFINITION OF CNS and PNS
DEFINITION:
CNS is the central processing unit of
the nervous system of our body
PNS is the connection between the
central nervous system and other body
systems
What is the CNS and PNS COMPOSED OF :
COMPOSED OF :
CNS:
Brain and the spinal cord
PNS:
Nerves throughout the body
Functions of the CNS and PNS
Function
CNS:
Receives information from all over the body, processes that
information, and then sends out messages telling the body how to
respond.
PNS:
Carry messages to and from the CNS and other parts of your body
What is the spinal withdrawal reflex
A fast, involuntary reflex that bypasses the brain to reduce exposure to harm
What is the spinal withdrawal reflex?
A fast, involuntary reflex that bypasses the brain to reduce exposure to harm
