The nervous system Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Nervous System and what is it composed of?
A
- Collects, processes & responds to information in the environment
- Primary system of internal communication
- Specialised network of cells
2
Q
What is the Nervous System divided into?
A
- Central Nervous System
- Peripheral Nervous System
3
Q
What is the Central Nervous System composed of?
A
- The brain: Centre of all conscious awareness
- Spinal cord: an extension of the brain and is responsible for some reflex actions
4
Q
What is the Peripheral Nervous System divided into?
A
- Autonomic Nervous system
- Somatic Nervous system
5
Q
What is the Peripheral Nervous System made of?
A
- Millions of neurons
6
Q
What is the purpose of the Peripheral Nervous System?
A
- Transmit messages through chemical & electrical signals to the CNS.
7
Q
What is the Somatic Nervous systems purpose?
A
- Receives information from outside world through sense organs
- Transmit info back to CNS
8
Q
What is the Autonomic Nervous systems purpose?
A
- Transmits information between the CNS & internal organs
- Operates automatically
- Responsible for regulating changes to these functions:
> Sympathetic branch
> Parasympathetic branch
9
Q
State what the Parasympathetic State is.
A
- Normal, resting state
- Heart rate, breathing, bodily functions = normal
10
Q
State what the Sympathetic State is.
A
- Activated when a threat is detected by the CNS
- Sends message to adrenal medulla ( releases adrenaline)
- Fight or flight response is triggered
