The Divisions of the Nervous System Flashcards
What is the NS?
The NS is a highly specialised set of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system.
What are the two main functions of the brain?
To collect, process and respond to information in the environment and to co-ordinate and direct the working of different organs and cells within the body.
What are the two main systems within the NS?
The Peripheral NS and the CNS
What 2 systems make up the PNS?
The Somatic NS and the Autonomic NS
What 2 systems make up the Autonomic NS?
The sympathetic NS and the Parasympathetic NS
What two organs are involved in the CNS?
The Brain and the Spinal cord
What is the main role of the Brain?
The brain is involved in all psychological processes and its main job is to ensure life is maintained
What is the role of the Spinal cord?
Carries messages (using neurons) to and from the brain to the PNS. It relays info to and from the brain to the rest of the body
What is meant by an arc reflex?
A special type of neutral circuit that begins with a sensory neuron at a receptor and ends with a motor neuron at an effector.
What does a receptor do?
The receptor in the skin detects a stimulus
What does the sensory neuron do?
The sensory neuron sends electrical impulses to relay a neuron
What does the motor neuron do?
The motor neuron sends electrical impulses to an effector
What do effectors do?
Produce a response
What is the main function of the PNS?
Its main function is to relay nerve impulses from the CNS to the rest of the body and from the body back to the CNS
What does the Somatic NS do?
Maintains communication between the CNS and the outside world
