The divisions of the nervous system Flashcards
what is the nervous system
A network of cells in the human body, the body’s internal communication system
what is the function of the nervous system
to collect, process and respond to information from the environment and to control organs and cells in the body.
central nervous system
split into 2 parts Brian and spinal cord
BRAIN
- receives and processes information from the senses e.g. visual cortex processes visual info
- the Centre of conscious awareness
- responsible for higher mental functions
- generates emotion and thoughts
- initiates responses
- stores memories
SPINAL CORD
- conducts signals to and from the brain
- connects nerves to PNS
- controls reflex actions e.g. removing a hand when it touches a hot plate
peripheral nervous system PNS
sends messages to and from the central nervous system via neurons.
autonomic and somatic nervous system
autonomic nervous system is spilt into two parts
sympathetic and parasympathetic branch
sympathetic branch
flight or fight response
parasympathetic branch
conserve and restore body energy when relaxed
outline the structure and function of the nervous system
(6 marks)
1) the nervous system is split into two main parts, the central and peripheral nervous system
2) the central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is responsible for higher mental functioning and the spinal cord for reflex actions and transmitting information to and from the brain.
3) the peripheral nervous system us sub divided into the autonomic and somatic nervous system
4) the somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements such as walking and transmits information from the brain to skeletal muscles/effectors
5) the autonomic nervous system is responsible for involuntary functions such as breathing and digestion.
6) the autonomic nervous system can be sub divided again into the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.
