the nervous system Flashcards
what is the nervous system
the nervous system is a specialised network of cells in the human body and is our primary internal communication system
what are the two main functions of the nervous systems
to collect, process and respond to info in the environment
to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
what is the nervous system divided into
it is divided into two sub- systems
- Central nervous systems (CNS)
- Peripheral nervous
what is the central nervous system
it is made up of the brain and the spinal cord
what is the role of the brain in the CNS
the brain is the centre of all conscious awareness
the outer layer, the cerebral cortex is highly developed in humans and is what distinguishes our higher mental functions form those of animals
the brain is divided into 2 hemispheres
what is the spinal cord’s role in
it is an extension of the brain
it is responsible for reflex actions
e.g. pulling your hand away from a hot plate
what is the peripheral nervous system
sends information to the central nervous system (CNS) from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
what is the PNS sub divided into
Automic nervous system (ANS)
Somatic nervous system (SNS)
what is the automic nervous system
ANS governs vital function in the body such as breathing,heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress responses
what is the somatic nervous system
controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors
