The Divisions Of The Nervous System Flashcards
1
Q
What is the nervous system?
A
A network of cells in the human body, the body’s internal communication system.
2
Q
What is the function of the nervous system? (2)
A
To collect, process and respond to information from the environment and to control organs and cells in the body
3
Q
What two divisions are the nervous system split into?
A
- Central Nervous System
- Peripheral nervous system
4
Q
What is the central nervous system split into?
A
- Brain
- Spinal cord
5
Q
What is the function of the brain (6)
A
- Receives and processes information from the senses e.g. visual cortex processes visual information
- centre of conscious awareness
- Responsible for higher mental functions
- Generates emotions and thoughts
- Initiates responses
- Stores memories
6
Q
What is the function of the spinal cord? (3)
A
- Conducts signals to and from the brain
- Connects nerves to the PNS
- Controls reflex actions e.g. removing hand from hot plate
7
Q
What is the peripheral nervous system split into?
A
- Autonomic nervous system
- Somatic nervous system
8
Q
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system (3)
A
- Responsible for involuntary responses for vital functions e.g. breathing, digestion, heart rate
- Controls and smooths cardiac muscles and glands
- Control centres are in the brain stem
9
Q
What is the function of the somatic nervous system (4)
A
- Responsible for voluntary movements e.g. walking
- Transmits information from the brain to control skeletal muscles
- Carries commands from the motor cortex
- Connects CNS and the senses and integrates the brain with the outside world
10
Q
What is the autonomic nervous system split into and what are their functions?
A
- Sympathetic branch = Fight or flight response
- Parasympathetic = Conserves and restores body energy when relaxed
