the nervous system Flashcards
which 2 parts make up the CNS?
the brain and the spinal cord
what makes up the PNS?
autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system
what 2 parts make up the ANS?
parasympathetic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system
what is the role of the brain?
centre of everything, more developed in humans than any other animals. Covered by the cerebral cortex which is 3mm thick. control of behaviour and psychological processes and the regulation of physiological processes in the body to maintain life
describe the spinal cord and what is it responsible for?
a long extension of the brain. A long bundle of nerve fibres which send messages to and from the brain and connect nerves to the PNS. Responsible for reflex actions
what is the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for?
rest and digest: kicks in to bring the body back to normal after the stressor has passed
what is the sympathetic nervous system responsible for?
fight or flight: activates when a stressor is detected
what is the somatic nervous system responsible for?
responsible for conscious muscle movement
what is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?
takes care of the body’s vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Divided into 2, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system
what is the role of the peripheral nervous system?
transmits messages to and receives messages from the CNS via millions of neurones
Give one difference between the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
ANS is involuntary, SNS is under conscious control