(nervous system) central & peripheral Flashcards
1
Q
name the 2 parts the nervous system is divided into
A
- central nervous system
- peripheral nervous system
2
Q
2 main functions of the nervous system
A
- collect, process & respond to information in environment
- co-ordinate working of different organs & cells
3
Q
what is the CNS made up of
A
brain & spinal cord
4
Q
describe the function of the brain
A
- centre of all conscious awareness
- divided into 2 hemispheres & 4 lobes
- functions include: regulating body temp, co-ordinating movement & problem-solving/planning
5
Q
describe the cerebral cortex
A
- 3mm thick
- found only in mammals
6
Q
describe the function of the spinal cord
A
- extension of brain
- responsible for reflex actions
- passes messages to/from brain
- connects nerves to PNS
7
Q
role of PNS
A
transmits messages to/from CNS
8
Q
what is the PNS sub-divided into
A
- somatic nervous system
- autonomic nervous system
9
Q
what is the autonomic nervous system further sub-divided into
A
- parasympathetic nervous system
- sympathetic nervous system
10
Q
role/function of somatic nervous system
A
- governs muscle movement
- receives information from sensory receptors
11
Q
role/function of autonomic nervous system
A
- governs vital internal functions
- regulates involuntary actions
- divided into sympathetic & parasympathetic
- actions mostly antagonistic
eg. breathing, heart rate, digestion
12
Q
function/role of sympathetic nervous system
A
- associated with ‘fight or flight’ response
- prepares body for physical activity
- utilised when body is in ‘alert’ state
- for example, it’s able to: accelerate heart rate, decrease activity of large intestine, constrict blood vessels, pupil dilation
13
Q
function/role of parasympathetic nervous system
A
- known as ‘rest & digest’ system
- helps conserve bodies activity levels & energy by decreasing activity
- regulates bodily functions eg. digestion
- slows heart rate/breathing rate, lowers blood pressure etc.
- relaxation enables body to enter ‘standby’ (recovery mode)
