nervous system Flashcards
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
It is our primary internal communication system.
What two components make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
- Brain
- Spinal cord
What is the role of the brain in the nervous system?
It is the centre of all conscious awareness.
How thick is the cerebral cortex, and what is its significance?
It is 3 mm thick and distinguishes higher mental functions in humans.
What are the two hemispheres of the brain responsible for?
They are responsible for various cognitive functions and processing.
What is the function of the spinal cord?
It passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS.
What type of actions is the spinal cord responsible for?
Reflex actions such as pulling your hand away from a hot plate.
What does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) do?
-transmits messages, via millions of neurons (nerve cells), to and from the central nervous system
What are the two subdivisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
- Somatic nervous system (SNS)
What vital functions does the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) govern?
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Digestion
- Sexual arousal
- Stress responses
What is the function of the Somatic Nervous System (SNS)?
It governs muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors.
Fill in the blank: The CNS is comprised of the _______ and the spinal cord.
[brain]
True or False: The cerebral cortex is found in all animals.
False
