Topic 1 Flashcards
What functions is the nervous system responsible for? (3)
- analyzing sensory information from the body and external environment
- storing more information
- making decisions regarding appropriate responses and behaviors
How does the nervous system make motor responses?
is by initiating muscular contractions or glandular secretions
What is the central nervous system made up of?
the brain and the spinal cord
What is the peripheral nervous system made up of?
is made up of neurons throughout the rest of the body
What does the sensory and motor neuron pathways in the PNS do?
they information to and from the CNS via electrical impulses
What does the brain do with the information sent from neurons?
analyses, interprets, processes and stores.
What two nervous systems can the peripheral nervous system be divided into?
Somatic and autonomic.
What parts of the body does the somatic nervous system include?
spinal nerves
What does the somatic nervous system control?
the body’s skeletal muscles
What is the somatic nervous system is responsible for?
bringing about certain involuntary actions e.g. limb withdrawal as a reflex action, conducting involuntary impulses to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands. But most control is voluntary movements, such as walking and speaking.
What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?
regulating the internal environment by controlling structures and organs such as the hearts, blood vessels, bronchioles, alimentary canal.
What are the sympathetic and parasympathetic described as being?
antagonistic
What effects does the sympathetic system have on the body?
increases heart rate, breathing rate
decreases peristalsis, intestinal secretions
What effects does the parasympathetic system have on the body?
decreases heart rate, breathing rate
increases peristalsis, intestinal secretions
What is sympathetic responses also known as?
fight or flight
What is parasympathetic responses also known as?
rest and digest
What is the function of the medulla?
regulates the basic life processes of breathing, heart rate, arousal and sleep
What is the function of the cerebellum?
responsible for controlling balance, posture and movement
Which parts of the brain are the central core?
medulla, cerebellum
What are the functions of limbic system?
processing information for memories and influencing emotional and motivational states.
What is the cerebal cortex?
Cerebral cortex is the centre of conscious thought; it also recalls memories and alters behaviour in the light of experience.
What is the function of the cerebal cortex?
receiving sensory information, coordinating voluntary movement and making decisions in the light of experience.
What side of the brain will process information from the right visual field?
left
What side of the brain will process information from the left visual field?
right
What is the function of the sensory areas?
receives information as sensory impulses from receptors.
What is the function of the association areas?
analyse and interpret impulses received from the sensory areas and deals with thought processes, language, personality, imagination and intelligence.
What is the function of the motor areas?
act on information from association areas by sending motor impulses to effectors.
