The nervous system Flashcards
What are the two sub systems of the central nervous system?
The brain and spinal cord
What are the two sub systems of the peripheral nervous system?
The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
What are the two sub systems of the autonomic nervous system?
The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
Transmits information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body/external organs
What do the CNS and PNS work together to do?
- Collect information from inside the body and the environment outside
- Process the information
- Execute a response
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
The somatic nervous system receives information from the senses and transmits it to the CNS through sensory neurons.
It also transmits information from the CNS to instruct the movement of muscles, motor neurons carry these instructions.
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
The automatic nervous system is responsible for vital functions such as heart beat, breathing, digestion.
It operates automatically and involuntary.
It is responsible for controlling the ‘fight or flight’ response.
What is the process of the fight or flight process?
→ A person enters a stressful/dangerous situation
→ The amygdala (part of the limbic system) is activated which sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus
→ The hypothalamus activates the sympathomedullary pathway (SAM pathway) - the pathway running to the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system
→ The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal medulla, part of the adrenal gland
→ The adrenal medulla secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream
→ Adrenaline causes a number of physiological changes to prepare the body for fight or flight
What are the physiological changes that occur during fight or flight?
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Increased breathing rate
In what system does the rest and digest process take place?
In the parasympathetic nervous system
What is the rest and digest process?
It works to conserve energy and facilitate recovery by slowing down the heart rate, dilating blood vessels, and stimulating digestive processes. It also helps regulate bodily functions like salivation, tear production, and urination. In essence, the parasympathetic system serves as a counterbalance to the sympathetic nervous system, which activates “fight or flight” responses
