The Nervous System (biopsychology)

Question 1

What is The Nervous System

Answer 1

The nervous system is our internal communication system that is based on electrical and chemical signals. The nervous system collects, processes and responds to stimuli in the environment. This system also manages organs and cells in the body. The nervous system is divided into two subsystems.

Question 2

2. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 2

This is made up of nerves outside of the central nervous system. It transmits messages via neurons to and from the central nervous system. The PNS can be divided into two further subsystems, SNS & ANS.

Question 3

The Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Answer 3

Controls muscle movement and receives information from the sensory receptors. It connects the nervous system to the senses.

Question 4

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Answer 4

Controls functions such as digestion, breathing and heart rate. There are two branches to this system. The sympathetic branch is mainly involved in the ‘flight or fight’ response, whilst the parasympathetic branch slows all functions down to take us out of ‘flight or fight’ and into ‘rest and digest’.

Question 5

Key Differences Between (SNS) & (ANS)

Answer 5

SNS~ Connected to sensory and motor neural pathways
Controls skeletal muscles and movement
Controlled in the motor cortex
ANS~ Connected to motor neural pathway
Controls internal organs and glands
Controlled in the brain stem