the nervous system Flashcards
what is the nervous system
the main system that controls the mind and body.
it takes in information from the environment and elsewhere in the body, transmitted across neurons, and co ordinates functions such as thinking and movement, as well as unconscious functions like the control of organs and glands
two systems in the nervous system
central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
what does the CNS do
is the main control for life functions, and psychological processes
what does the PNS do
transmits information between the central nervous system and external world or organs
two things that make up the CNS
brain and spinal cord
what does the brain do
controls higher psychological processes (eg thinking) and regulates bodily processes based on info from PNS
responsible for: perception, motor control, regulating bodily processes and maintaining homeostasis, sleep
what does the spinal cord do
connects the brain with the PNS (rest of the body)
responsible for unconscious movements, such as reflexes
two parts that make up the peripheral nervous system
somatic and autonomic
somatic nervous system
responsible for voluntary movement
transmits information between CNS and the senses
is under conscious control, controls voluntary movement (eg walking)
autonomic nervous system
responsible for transmitting info between CNS and internal organs (brain to rest of the body)
responsible for involuntary bodily activities (eg heartrate) and not under conscious control
two systems part of the autonomic nervous system
sympathetic and parasympathetic
sympathetic nervous system
increases bodily functions to expend energy (fight or flight)
parasympathetic nervous system
decreases bodily functions to conserve energy (Calm and rest)
sympathetic and parasympathetic changes to heart
sympathetic - increase heart rate
parasympathetic - decrease heart rate
sympathetic and parasympathetic changes to digestive system
sympathetic - decrease digestion
parasympathetic - increase digestion
