Nervous System - BIOPSYCHOLOGY Flashcards
what are the two main systems within the nervous system
central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
what is included in the CNS
brain and spinal cord
what does the CNS control
behaviour, bodily processes, muscles
what’s included in the PNS
somatic and autonomic nervous systems (SNS and ANS)
what is the function of the PNS
relay messages to/ from CNS
what is the somatic branch responsible for
sensory and motor functions
what is the autonomic branch responsible for
involuntary and unconscious actions
two branches in the autonomic nervous system
sympathetic and parasympathetic
what is the function of the sympathetic branch of the ANS
responds to the environment unconsciously (fight or flight)
what is the function of the parasympathetic branch of the ANS
runs background/ “caretaker” functions (e.g. immune and digestive systems)
what does the nervous system allow our body to do
allows the brain and spinal cord communicate with the rest of the body
what are the two main functions of the nervous system
to collect, process and respond to information in the environment
&
to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
where is the diencephalon situated
on top of the brainstem, beneath the cerebellum
what is within the diencephalon
thalamus and hypothalamus
what is the thalamus’ function
acts as relay station for nerve impulses coming from senses
directs them to correct places in the body
