Nervous system Flashcards
What are the parts of the nervous system?
Central NS
Peripheral NS
Autonomic NS
Somatic NS
Sympathetic NS
Parasympathetic NS
What is the central nervous system (CNS)?
comprises of the brain & the spinal cord.
Two main functions: control of behaviour & regulation of body’s physiological functions.
Our brain receives information from our senses (e.g. ears/eyes) and is able to send messages to the muscles/glands in the body.
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
The PNS transmits messages to the whole body from the brain via neurons.
It is further sub divided into two divisions: autonomic and somatic nervous system.
What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
Responsible for vital functions such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion. It transmits information from and to the internal body organs such as the liver and the lungs. It operates automatically, involuntarily.
The Autonomic Nervous System is also split into two divisions: Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System.
What is the somatic nervous system (SNS)?
Controls muscle movement and receives information from the senses and transmits it to the CNS. It also transmits information from the CNS to direct movement of muscles.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
Prepares the body for action, i.e. fight or flight.
Helps us deal with emergencies or when we are under threat.
Increases our heart rate/blood pressure, dilates the blood vessels.
Slows less important functions when under threat e.g. digestion.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
Relaxes the individual when threat has passed.
The PNS will slow heart rate & reduce blood pressure.
Start to refocus on functions that were “ignored” when under threat.
What is a gland?
An organ in the body that synthesises substances such as hormones
What are hormones?
Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only affect target organs. They are produced in large quantities but disappear quickly. Their effects are powerful.
