the nervous system - basics

Question 1

WHAT IS THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM? Comprises, structure and function?

Answer 1

structure:
comprised of the brain and spinal cord
function:
receives sensory information from the peripheral nervous system (sensing environment)
THEN processes that information and sends motor info back to the PNS to function movement.

Question 2

WHAT IS THE BRAIN?

Answer 2

the brain regulates and guides parts of the nervous system
responsibilities:
- vital body functions e.g. breathing, heart rate
- receiving outside information
- our emotions, personalities

Question 3

WHAT IS THE SPINAL CORD? structure and function

Answer 3

structure:
cable-like column of nerve fibre that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back
function:
helps bring sensory information up to the brain and then motor information back (down)

Question 4

INSIDE THE SPINAL CORD?

Answer 4

S: sensory
A: afferent
M: motor
E: efferent
two direction highway meaning it send sensory afferent messages to the brain, and sends motor efferent messages away from the brain

Question 5

WHAT IS THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM? Comprises, structure and function?

Answer 5

structure:
everything outside the cns -> comprises with muscle, glands and organs
function:
sends sensory information to the cns and receives motor information from the cns brain

Question 6

SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?

Answer 6

network of neurons that transmits information from the receptor sites to the central nervous system, and then carry information to the muscle to initiate voluntary movement

Question 7

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?

Answer 7

network of neurons that carry information between the central nervous system (organs and glands), ensuring they are regulated involuntary

Question 8

SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?

Answer 8

prepares body for action, to deal with potential threat resulting in activating fight-flight-freeze response (increase HR, dilated eyes, sweating and hotness)

Question 9

PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?

Answer 9

maintains body in homeostasis (relaxing state, normal HR, eyes constrict, cooler)