The Nervous System

Question 1

The Nervous System

Answer 1

Communication system for the body- sending signals of information around and using the brain to interpret and respond to the information appropriately.

Question 2

Parts of The Nervous system

Answer 2

Brain
Spinal Cord
Nerves and their support cells.

Question 3

Spinal Cord

Answer 3

Long Bundle of nerves.
It is protected by the vertebrae and is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a cushion and provides nutrients to the spinal cord and removes waste.
Acts as a highway for messages from the body to the brain and vice- versa.

Question 4

Brain

Answer 4

Made up of three sections:

• Forebrain
• Midbrain
• Hindbrain

Question 5

Forebrain

Answer 5

made up of:

• The Thalamus - which regulates sleep, alertness and wakefulness
• The Hypothalamus which works within the pituitary gland. Helps the body to maintain and regulate temperature.
• The Cerebral Cortex- Contributes to alertness, intelligence, memory and temperament.

Question 6

Midbrain

Answer 6

Connects the fore and hindbrain through a series a tracts.
Smallest part if the tree sections, enables the brain to integrate sensory information from your ears and eyes with muscle movements, enabling your body to use this information to make fine adjustments to movements.

Question 7

Hindbrain

Answer 7

This section includes:

• Cerebellum- This controls coordination, balance and movement.
• Pons- This plays a part in controlling respiration.
• Medulla Oblongata- This controls blood pressure, motor function and also plays a part in controlling respiration.

Question 8

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 8

Made up of different types of nerves:

• Sensory
• Motor
• Autonomic
• Gila

Question 9

Sensory Nerves

Answer 9

Also known as AFFERENT nerves.
Activated by external stimuli (vision, hearing)
Responsible for receiving and transmitting messages to the CNS from all parts of the body.

Question 10

Autonomic Nerves

Answer 10

Control involuntary functions.
This includes heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and sweating.
This is under involuntary control- automatic nerves.
Divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Question 11

Motor Nerves

Answer 11

Also known as EFFERENT nerves.
Responsible for receiving and transmitting messages from the CNS to all parts of the body.
Involved in muscular control in the body.

Question 12

Synaptic Transmission

Answer 12

This is the way in which the messages are sent from one nerve to another.
A neurotransmitter (Chemical) is released between two nerve cells to allow the electrical impulses to cross the gap to the next nerve which allows it to continue it's journey.

Question 13

Voluntary Nervous System

Answer 13

This is the part of the PNS transmits information about external stimuli from muscles, skin and joints to the CNS.
It also receives commands from the CNS telling our muscles to move.
It is therefore VOLUNTARY control- it can also be known as the somatic nervous system.

Question 14

Sympathetic Nervous System

Answer 14

Prepares the body for fight or flight.
During this situation the body responds in the following way:
- Heart rate increases.
- Increased respiratory rate.
Increased flow to muscles
- Reduced digestion, excretion and urination.

Question 15

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer 15

Allows the animal to relax and return to normal following stressful times.
During this time the body:
- Relaxes
- Heart rate is reduced.
Digestion and bowel movements are efficient.