The Nervous System

Question 1

What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

Answer 1

• to collect process and respond to in formation in the environment
• to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 2

What are the 2 systems the nervous system is divided into?

Answer 2

• central nervous system (CNS)

- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 3

What is the central nervous system (CNS) made up of?

Answer 3

• brain

- spinal cord

Question 4

What is the function of the brain?

Answer 4

• centre of conscious awareness
• highly developed in humans
• brain distinguishes our higher mental functions from other animals

Question 5

How many hemispheres is the brain divided into?

Answer 5

2

Question 6

What makes mammals brains different from other organisms brains?

Answer 6

• Mammals have a cerebral cortex

- the cerebral cortex is 3mm thick and covers the brain like an orange peel covers an orange

Question 7

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Answer 7

• extension of the brain
• passes messages to and from the brain
• Connects nerves to peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• responsible for reflex actions

Question 8

What are the two components of the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 8

• Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

- Somatic Nervous system (SNS)

Question 9

What does the autonomic nervous system consist of?

Answer 9

• sympathetic nervous system

- parasympathetic nervous system

Question 10

What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 10

• returns body to relaxed state

- decrease heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure

Question 11

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 11

• Involved in responses that prepare us for fight or flight

- increases heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure