The nervous system

What are the 2 main functions of the nervous system?

• To collect, process and respond to information in the environment

• To coordinate the working of different organs and cells

What does the human nervous system spilt into?

• Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

• Central nervous system (CNS)

What does the central nervous system split into?

• Brain

• Spinal cord

What does the peripheral nervous system split into?

• Autonomic nervous system

• Somatic nervous system

What does the autonomic nervous system split into?

• Sympathetic nervous system

• Parasympathetic nervous system

What are the 2 functions of the CNS?

• Controls behaviour

• Regulates all physiological processes in the body

What is the role of the spine within the CNS?

• Relays information between the brain and the rest of the body

• Enables the performance of simple reflexes without involvement from the brain

What are the 4 main parts of the brain called and what do they do?

Cerebrum - largest part of the brain, split into 4 parts

Brain stem - allows impulses between brain and spinal cord

Diencephalon - lies beneath the cerebrum, contains the thalamus (relays sensory pulses) and the hypothalamus (regulates body functions)

Cerebellum - sits at the back of the cerebrum, involved in controlling balance and coordination

What are the 4 parts of the cerebrum and what do they do?

1. Frontal lobe - reasoning/ motor skills

2. Parietal lobe - touch

3. Temporal lobe - hearing

4. Occipital lobe - sight

What is the role of the peripheral nervous system?

• Concerned with all nerves outside the CNS

• Responsible for sending impulses from the CNS to the rest of the body

What are the 2 divisions the PNS splits into?

• Somatic nervous system

• Autonomic nervous system

What is the role of the somatic nervous system and what is it made up from?

• Responsible for voluntary actions

• Made up of nerves extending from the brain and spinal cord

• Made up of sensory receptors that carry information to the brain and spinal cord

• Made up of motor pathways that allow the brain to control movement in muscles

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?

• Responsible for involuntary actions eg breathing, heartbeat, digestion etc

What are the 2 divisions the ANS splits into?

• Sympathetic nervous system

• Parasympathetic nervous system

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system and what neurotransmitter does it release?

• Involved in responses that help in an emergency eg fight or flight

• Increases body activity

• Releases noradrenaline

What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system and what neurotransmitter does it release?

• Maintains and conserves body energy and functions

• Returns the body to its resting state by reducing activity

• Releases acetylcholine