The Nervous System Flashcards
What parts is the central nervous system?
the central part of the nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord
What is the peripheral nervous system?
the system is made up of sensory and motor nerves connecting the sensory receptors and effectors to the CNS
What does the somatic nervous system control?
it voluntarily controls skeletal muscle
What does the autonomic nervous system control?
controls unconscious activities including heart rate, smooth muscle in the digestive system, airways and glands
When is the sympathetic system active?
when the body is under physical or psychological stress
Characteristics of sympathetic nerves.
sympathetic nerves leave the spinal cord and they don’t have to split as much
When is the parasympathetic system active?
under normal conditions of rest and conserves energy
Characteristics of parasympathetic nerves.
Only a few parasympathetic nerves leave the spinal cord. These split so that they contact multiple ef ectors
What Neurone structure is typical of the sympathetic system?
Short pre-ganglionic neurones Long post-ganglionic neurones
Neurone structure typical of the parasympathetic system?
Long pre-ganglionic neurones Short post-ganglionic neurones in the effector
Sympathetic System - What Neurotransmitter is used?
Noradrenalin
Parasympathetic System - What Neurotransmitter is used?
Acetylcholine
Sympathetic System - effect on 1. Heart Rate 2. Pupil Diameter 3. Digestive System
- Increases 2. Increases 3. Decreases activity
Parasympathetic System - effect on 1. Heart Rate 2. Pupil Diameter 3. Digestive System
- Decreases 2. Decreases 3. Increases activity
What is the role of the medulla oblongata?
controls cardiac and smooth muscles via the autonomic nervous system. E.g. respiratory, cardiac and vasomotor centres
Describe the position of different areas of the brain
see image
