The nervous system

Question 1

What is the nervous system?

Answer 1

A specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system.

Question 2

What are the nervous systems two main functions?

Answer 2

1) to collect, process and respond to information in the environment

2) to co-ordinate the working (function) of different organs and cells in the body.

Question 3

What are the two subsystems the nervous system is divided into?

Answer 3

1) The central nervous system (CNS)
2) Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 4

What is the CNS made up of?

Answer 4

The brain and spinal cord.

Question 5

What is the cerebral cortex?

Answer 5

The brain’s outer layer, (3mmm thick and covers the brain).

Question 6

What does the spinal cord do?

Answer 6

Sends messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS.
Also responsible for reflex actions (e.g pulling hand away from hot plate)

Question 7

What does the PNS do?

Answer 7

Sends messages, via million of neurons (nerve cells), to and from the CNS.

Question 8

What does the PNS further subdivide into?

Answer 8

1) Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
2) Somatic nervous system (SNS)

Question 9

What does the ANS do?

Answer 9

governs vital function in the body, e.g breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal. (automatic - unconscious)

Question 10

What does the PNS do?

Answer 10

governs muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors (conscious movements).

Question 11

How does the nervous system communicate?

Answer 11

Via electrical signals.