The divisions of the nervous system

Question 1

Nervous system

Answer 1

The nervous system is made up of two major parts:
The central nervous system (CNS)
The peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 2

Central Nervous System

Answer 2

Controls most functions of mind and body
Consists of the spinal cord - a column of nerves between brain and PNS
Also consists of brain which is divided into 3 parts:

Hindbrain - includes pons, medulla and cerelibium and are classified as the brainstem, found in the lower part of the brain.

Midbrain - top most part of the brainstem, serves as a pathway between the forebrain (above) and hindbrain (below).

Forebrain - the largest division of the brain, made up of two parts: deincephalon and the cerebral hemisphere

Deincephalon is made up of two parts:
Thalamus - relays sensory information from brainstem to the cortex
Hypothalamus - involves basic functions such as thirst, hunger and reproductive behavior.

Cerebral hemisphere is made up of 3 parts:
Limbic system - in charge of memory, language and emotions
Basal ganglia - in charge of motor activities
Cerebral cortex - in charge of cognitive functions such as personality, consciousness, planning, problem-solving and critical thinking

Question 3

Peripheral Nervous System

Answer 3

Helps to connect the brain and spinal cord (CNS) to the rest of the body and the external environment.
Made up of 2 parts: Somatic nervous system and Autonomic nervous system

Somatic nervous system:
Controls conscious movements and consists of 2 pathways:
Sensory nerve pathway - sends information from sensory receptors on the skin to the CNS
Motor nerve pathway - controls body movement by sending information to muscles through motor neurons

Autonomic nervous system:
In charge of unconscious movements in the body such as breathing, heart rate etc..
Divided into 2 parts:
Sympathetic nervous system - deals with emergencies, increases blood pressure, heart rate, pupil dilation, arousal, pulse etc.. while decreasing less urgent movements such as digestion and salivations.
Parasympathetic nervous system - relaxes the body after emergency has passed. Decreases blood pressure, heart rate, pulse etc.. and increases digestion and salivation