Nervous System Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
A specialised network of cells in the human body and is the primary internal communication system
What are the two functions of the nervous system?
To collect, process and respond to information in the environment and to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
What are the two sub systems of the nervous system?
The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
What is the central nervous system made up of?
The brain and the spinal cord
What is the role of the brain?
It is involved in psychological processes eg decision making and is the centre of conscious awareness
What is the role of the spinal cord?
It’s responsible for reflex actions and it passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the peripheral nervous system
What is the role of the peripheral nervous system?
The nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
What two systems can the peripheral nervous system be divided into?
The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
What is the somatic nervous system?
It controls muscle movement and it transmits and receives messages from the senses
What is the autonomic nervous system?
It governs vital functions in the body eg breathing and it helps transmit and receive information from the organs
What two systems can the autonomic nervous system be divided into?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic system
What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
Increases activity
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
Decreases or maintains activity
