Nervous System

Question 1

What is an organ system?

Answer 1

A collection of organs, tissues and processes which carry out a specific function

Question 2

What is the structure of the nervous system?`

Answer 2

Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system

Question 3

What is the function of the nervous system?

Answer 3

To transmit signals to different parts of the body

Question 4

Give 2 structures of the central nervous system

Answer 4

1) Brain

2) Spinal Cord

Question 5

Give 2 functions of the central nervous system

Answer 5

1) Processes messages

2) Sends messages back to peripheral nervous system

Question 6

Give 2 structures of the peripheral nervous system

Answer 6

1) Somatic Nervous System – Consists of afferent and efferent nerves
2) Autonomic Nervous System – Consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic division

Question 7

Give 2 functions of the peripheral nervous system

Answer 7

1) Somatic Nervous System – Works the voluntary control of muscles, organs and reflex movements
2) Autonomic Nervous System – Regulates hormones, blood pressure and body processes e.g. heart rate, blood sugar and temperature

Question 8

Explain how the somatic nervous system works

Answer 8

Begins with sensory input, where the five senses and afferent nerves receive messages from the environment and send them to the central nervous system to be processed. They are then sent back to the peripheral nervous system for motor output. Here, the efferent nerves receive messages from the central nervous system and go to the muscles, acting on signals from the brain. This happens through a synaptic junction, as neurotransmitters travel from the dendrites, passed the neuron cell body, where electrical signals are passed through the axon up to the axon terminal. The axon terminal of the first neuron joins with a dendrite of the second neuron to form a synapse.

Question 9

Explain how the autonomic nervous system works

Answer 9

Consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic division, which act in opposition to each other. When the sympathetic division becomes active due to stress and arousing, such as faster heartbeat and facilitated breathing, the parasympathetic division becomes inactive. When the parasympathetic division becomes active due to rest and calming, such as slower heartbeat and constricted breathing, the sympathetic division becomes inactive.