the nervous system

Question 1

what is the nervous system?

Answer 1

is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system
- communicates using electrical signals

Question 2

the nervous system has 2 main functions:

Answer 2

• to collect, process and respond to information in the environment
• to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 3

the nervous system is divided into 2 subsystems:

Answer 3

1. central nervous system

2. peripheral nervous system

Question 4

what is the central nervous system made up of?

Answer 4

brain and spinal cord

Question 5

the central nervous system - brain

Answer 5

• the brain is the centre of all conscious awareness

- brain’s outer layer, the cerebral cortex, is only 3mm thick and covers the brain

Question 6

the central nervous system - spinal cord

Answer 6

• the spinal cord is an extension of the brain
• passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
• responsible for reflex actions such as pulling your hand away from a hot plate

Question 7

The peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Answer 7

The PNS transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the central nervous system.

it is then divided into
- AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress response

• SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - governs muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors