Organisation of the Nervous System

Question 1

What are the highest levels of structural organisation?

Answer 1

1. Central Nervous System (CNS)

2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Question 2

What does the CNS consist of?

Answer 2

• Brain and spinal cord

- also contains relay neurones

Question 3

What does PNS consist of and how do they function?

Answer 3

1. The somatic nervous system
   
   • conscious control
   • controls impulses from CNS to effectors i.e. muscles
2. The autonomic nervous system
   
   • subconscious control
   • body doing things automatically, involuntary acts such as heartbeats and digestion.
     - impulses to glands, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle.

Question 4

How is the autonomic nervous system split?

Answer 4

1. Sympathetic - increased activity, rest.

2. Parasympathetic - decreased activity, digest.