Nervous System Flashcards
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
To coordinate and control all bodily activities by processing sensory information and responding to stimuli.
What does the cerebral cortex control?
Controls higher order brain functions such as thinking, reasoning, planning, problem solving and voluntary muscle movements.
What is the forebrain composed of?
The cerebrum, thalamus and hypothalamus.
What is the function of the thalamus?
To process information from sense organs and relay to cerebral cortex.
What is the function of the hypothalamus and what other system is it linked to?
Controls the autonomic nervous system, influences behaviours and emotions and influences homeostasis. Also linked the the endocrine system, secreting hormones stored in the pituitary gland.
What is the role of the limbic system? What are the components of it?
Involved in emotions memory and motivation. Composed of the amygdala, hippocampus and cingulate gyrus.
What is the reticular formation and its function?
Network of neurons extending through the brain stem. Regulates wakefulness, attention and arousal.
What are neuron receptors?
Specialised proteins that receive and respond to neurotransmitters.
What impact does the limbic system have on stress response and behaviour ?
Regulates emotions such as fear and anxiety which can drive actions and responses.
What is the relationship between the cerebral cortex and memory?
Involved in the storage and retrieval of long-term memory and role in working memory.
What is the importance of an axon in the neurone?
Essential for transmitting electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurones or muscles.
What is the role of the peripheral nervous system in the body?
Connects the Central Nervous System to limbs and organs, facilitating communication and coordination between the brain, spinal cord and rest of the body.
What are the 2 main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses during stress. It increases heart rate, dilates airways and inhibits digestive functions.
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Relaxes bodily processes after high stress responses. Slows the heart rate, increases digestion and conserves energy.
How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems interact?
Work in opposition; sympathetic system actives bodily responses to stress, the parasympathetic calms the body and conserves energy afterwards.
What is the overall role of the autonomic nervous system in the body?
Regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestions as well as maintaining homeostasis.
What are reflex arcs? Why are they important in an animal’s survival?
Neural pathways that control reflex actions; allow for quick responses without direct involvement with the brain. Allow for immediate reactions to harmful stimuli, minimising the risk of harm.
What are afferent neurones?
(Known as sensory neurones) Transmit sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.
What are efferent neurones?
(Motor neurones) carry impulses away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling movements.
