The nervous system Flashcards
What is the CNS made up of?
Brain
Spinal cord
What does the CNS do?
Origin of all complex commands and decisions
How many hemispheres of the brain are there?
2
What does the PNS do?
Transmits messages to and from the central nervous system from the outside world
What are the two divisions of the PNS?
Somatic
Autonomic
What does the autonomic nervous system do?
Governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, hobbies, digestion, sexual arousal and stress responses
What does the somatic nervous system do?
Controls muscle movement, receives information from sensory receptors
What are the three types of neurones?
Sensory
Relay
Motor
What do sensory neurones do?
Carry messages from the PNS to the central nervous system
What do relay neurones do?
Connect sensory neurones and motor neurones
What do motor neurones do?
Connect the central nervous system to effectors such as muscles and glands
How do neurones transmit electrical impulses to each other?
Across a synapse via a neurotransmitter
What is a synapse?
A gap between two neurones
What two types of neurotransmitter are there?
Excitatory
Inhibitory
What do excitatory neurotransmitters do?
They increase the likelihood of the electrical impulse being fired across the synapse by increasing the positive charge of the post synaptic membrane
