The nervous system Flashcards
1
Q
What is the nervous system?
A
A specialized network of cells in the human body based on electrical and chemical signals.
2
Q
What are the functions of the nervous system?
A
- Collect, process and respond to information in the environment.
- To co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
3
Q
What are the 2 subsystems of the nervous system?
A
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
4
Q
What is the central nervous system?
A
- Made up of the brain and spinal chord
- Brain is the centre of all conscious awareness
- Spinal chord is an extension of the brain, it passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to PNS. Also responsible for reflex actions
5
Q
What is the peripheral nervous system?
A
- It transmits messages via neurons to and from the CNS.
6
Q
What are the sub systems of the PNS?
A
- Autonomic nervous system
- Somatic nervous system
7
Q
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?
A
- Governs vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, stress responses, etc
- Includes sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
8
Q
What is the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system?
A
- The sympathetic nervous system is typically involved in responses that prepare the body for fight or flight. Heart rate, blood pressure breathing rate increase, while less important functions like digestion suppressed.
- The role of the parasympathetic nervous system is to relax the body, and return us to our normal resting state.
It slows down our heart rate and breathing rate, and reduces our blood pressure.
9
Q
What is the role of the somatic nervous system?
A
- Governs muscle movement and receives info from sensory receptors
