The nervous system Flashcards
Nervous system
Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Communicates using electrical signals
Central nervous system (CNS)
Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Sends information to the CNS from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
Somatic nervous system (SNS)
Transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. It also receives information from the CNS that directs muscles to act
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. It is ‘autonomic’ as the system operates involuntarily (i.e. automatic). It has two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
The nervous system is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is our…
primary internal communication system
What is the nervous system based on?
Electrical and chemical signals
What is the endocrine system based on?
Hormones
What are the two main functions of the nervous system
To collect, process and respond to information in th environment and to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
What two subsystems are the nervous system divided into?
The Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System
To collect, process and respond to information in the environment. What is this a function of?
The nervous system
To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body. What is this a function of?
The nervous system
The CNS is made up of the _____ and the ______ ____
brain, spinal chord
The _____ is the centre of all conscious awareness
brain
What is the brain’s outer layer called?
The cerebral cortex
What is only 3mm thick and covers the brain like an orange peel covers and orange?
The cerebral cortex
True/False: The cerebral cortex is only found in mammals
True
What distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of other animals?
The brain being highly developed in humans
True/False: All living creatures have a brain
False, only a few living creatures do not have a brain: sponges, sea quirts, jellyfish.
How many hemispheres is the brain divided into?
2
The ______ ____ is an extension of the brain
spinal cord
What part of the body passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS?
The spinal cord
What part of the body is responsible for reflex actions?
The spinal cord
