The nervous system Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
It is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary communication system.
What are the two main functions of the nervous system?
To collect, process and respond to information and to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body.
What are the two sub-systems the nervous system is divided into?
The Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System.
What is the central nervous system?
It is the origin of complex demands and decisions and it is made up of the brain and spinal chord.
What is the spinal chord?
It is an extension of the brain that is responsible for reflex actions.
What is the Peripheral Nervous System?
It transmits messages to the central nervous system from the outside world and transmits information from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body.
What are the 2 sub-divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?
The Autonomic nervous system and the Somatic nervous system.
What is the autonomic nervous system?
It governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, stress response and digestion
What is the somatic nervous system?
It controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors.
