the nervous system Flashcards
1
Q
define the nervous system
A
- a specialised network of cells
- our primary communication system.
2
Q
what are the 2 main functions of the nervous system?
A
- To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
- To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
3
Q
what is the nervous system divided into?
A
- the central nervous system (CNS)
- the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
4
Q
what is the central nervous system?
A
- brain = conscious awareness, cerebral cortex
- spinal cord = reflex actions, pass messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
5
Q
define the peripheral nervous system
A
- transmits messages, via millions of neurons, to and from the CNS
- PNS is further subdivided into the autonomic and somatic nervous system
6
Q
what is the somatic nervous system?
A
controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors
→ Transmits sense information to and from the CNS
7
Q
what is the autonomic nervous system?
A
- governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress responses → Transmits information to and from internal organs to sustain life processes
- (parasympathetic + sympathetic) = fight or flight
8
Q
what are the similarities in the brain and spinal cord CNS?
A
similarity: both control involuntary processes
difference;
- brain = more complex thinking, spinal cord = simple reflex responses
9
Q
what are the similarities and differences somatic and sympathetic/parasympathetic
A
similarities =
differences =
