the nervous system Flashcards
what is the nervous system
specialised network of cells in the human body
primary internal communication system
based on electrical and chemical signals
endocrine system is based on hormones
two main functions of the nervous system
collect,process and respond to information in the environment
co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
divided into two subsystems
central nervous system (CNS)
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The central nervous system
made up of the brain and the spinal cord
brain is the centre of all conscious awareness
brain is divided into two hemispheres
spinal cord is an extension of the brain
passes messages too and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
responsible for reflex actions
The peripheral nervous system
transmits messages via millions for neurons (nerve cells) to and from then central nervous system
subdivided into
autonomic nervous system
somatic nervous system
the peripheral nervous system - autonomic nervous system
ANS governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress response
peripheral nervous system - somatic nervous system
SNS governs muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors
