The Divisions Of The Nervous System Flashcards
The central nervous system (CNS)
It is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is the centre of all conscious awareness. The brains outer layer, the cerebral cortex is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our high mental functions from those of animals. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain.
The CNS is responsible for reflex actions. It receives and passes messages to and from the brain, and connects nerves to the peripheral nervous system.
The nervous system
It is a complex network of nerve cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body. So it helps all parts of the body to communicate with each other.
The brain controls the nervous system.
The peripheral system (PNS)
Transmits messages, via millions of neurons to and from the CNS. The PNS is further sub-divided somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system.
Somatic nervous system (SoNS)
Transmits information received by the senses (eyes, ears, skin, nose, tongue) through receptors to the CNS and transmits messages from the CNS to the muscles to instruct them to act.
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic sections.
The ANS system links the CNS to internal organs and controls basic functions such as breathing, digestion, stress responses and sexual arousal. It cannot be controlled voluntarily.
