Nervous System Flashcards
Define nervous system?
Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
Define the central nervous system?
Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions
Define the peripheral nervous system?
Sends information to the CNS from the outside world and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
Define the somatic nervous system?
Transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. It also reviewed informational from the CNS that directs muscles to act
Define the autonomic nervous system?
Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs it is autonomic as the system operates involuntarily (it is automatic) it has two main divisions - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
What is the nervous system?
A specialised network of cells in the human body that is our primary internal communication system. It has two functions
What are the two functions of the NS?
To collect, process and respond to information from the environment
To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
What two systems is the nervous system divided into?
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
What is the CNS made up of?
The brain and the spinal cord
What is the brains function?
The brain is the centre of all conscious awareness. It’s outer layer, the cerebral cortex is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of animals.
What is the brain divided in to?
Two hemispheres
What is the spinal cord?
An extension of the brain - it is responsible for reflex actions such as pulling your hand away from something hot
What does the peripheral nervous system do?
Transmits messages via millions of neurons to and from the central nervous system.
What is the peripheral nervous system divided in to?
The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
What does the autonomic nervous system do?
Governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart-rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress response
