The Nervous System

Question 1

What is the nervous system?

Answer 1

A specialised network of cells in the human body and our primary internal communication system based on electrical and chemical signals.

Question 2

What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

Answer 2

• To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
• To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 3

What are the two main subsystems of the nervous system

Answer 3

• Central Nervous system
• Peripheral nervous system

Question 4

What are the divisions of the CNS and what are they?

Answer 4

• Brain: centre of all conscious awareness, the cerebral cortex is only 3mm thick. Highly developed and distinguishes our higher mental functions- divided into two hemispheres
• Spinal cord: extension of the brain, it passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS, responsible for reflexes

Question 5

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and what is it made up of?

Answer 5

The PNS transmits messages via neurons, to and from the CNS.
- Autonomic nervous system- governs vital functions in body (breathing, heart rate, digestion)
- Somatic nervous system- governs muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors

Question 6

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and what is it made up of?

Answer 6

The PNS transmits messages via neurons, to and from the CNS.
- Autonomic nervous system- governs vital functions in body (breathing, heart rate, digestion)
- Somatic nervous system- governs muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors

Question 7

What is the ANS further divided into?

Answer 7

Sympathetic NS
Parasympathetic NS

Question 8

What is the ANS further divided into?

Answer 8

Sympathetic NS
Parasympathetic NS