Divisions of the Nervous System

Outline and describe the CNS

- consists of the brain and the spinal cord

- cerebral cortex (outer layer of brain) responsible for cognition, emotional, sensory and motor functions

- brain has 2 hemispheres; left side for analytical thinking + right side for musical/artistic abilities

- spinal cord is bundle of nerves which sends nerve signals to and brain

What does PNS consist of?

Somatic + Autonomic Nervous System

What is the function of Somatic Nervous System?

- controls voluntary movement of muscles e.g moving arm etc

- consists of nerves that carry messages to eyes, ears, skeletal muscles and skin ( to carry out movement)

What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System?

- controls involuntary movement e.g smooth muscles that control digestion, bladder, pupil size + cardiac muscle

- split into 2 systems: Sympathetic + Parasympathetic nervous system

What is the function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

- activates when we feel threatened or stressed to initiate 'fight or flight' response to survive

- heart rate + blood pressure increases, digestion slows down to direct blood flow to muscles for strength, adrenaline released, pupils dilate + faster breathing

What is the function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

- activated after threat has passed to allow body to return to homeostasis

- heart rate, respiratory rate + blood pressure decreases to normal levels, pupils returns to normal size