the nervous system Flashcards
what are key assumptions of biopsychologists? (4)
- behaviour and experiences are caused by activity in NS (CNS & PNS) and endocrine system (glands & hormones)
- NS receives information from environment
- NS transmits signals for communication via billions of nerve cells
- nerve cells communicate with each other, via electrical & chemical messages, in the body, brain and effectors (muscles and glands)
what is the nervous system?
- a specialised network of cells in the body
- primary internal communication system
how does the nervous system communicate?
electrical and chemical signals
what are the 2 main functions of the nervous system?
- collect, process and respond to info from environment
- co-ordinate working of different organs and cells in body
what are the 2 subsystems of the nervous system?
- central nervous system (CNS)
- peripheral nervous system (PNS)
what originates from the CNS?
all complex commands and decisions
what is the CNS made up of?
brain and spinal cord
what is the brain?
centre of all conscious awareness
what is the role of the spine? (3)
- passes messages to and from brain
- connects nerves to PNS
- reflex actions eg. pulling hand away from a hot plate
what is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
- sends info to CNS from the outside world
- transmits messages from CNS to muscles and glands in the body
what are the 2 subdivisions of the PNS?
- autonomic nervous system (ANS)
- somatic nervous system (SNS)
what does the ANS do?
transmits information to and from internal bodily organs
how the ANS autonomic?
system operates involuntarily
what vital functions in the body does the ANS govern? (5)
- breathing
- heart rate
- digestion
- sexual arousal
- stress responses
what is the role of the somatic nervous system (SNS)?
- transmits info from sensory receptor to CNS
- receives info from CNS that directs muscles to act
