Neuropsychology Flashcards
what is the nervous system?
A complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.
Why do we need the nervous system?
Humans require more sophisticated nervous systems to be able to perform complex activities such as problem solving, creative thinking, talking, driving, engaging in relationships and studying math.
What are the main functions of the nervous system?
The three main functions of the Nervous System are: to receive information, to process information and to coordinate a response to information.
What happens once information has been received in the nervous system?
Once information has been received, the Nervous System coordinates a response by sending messages to muscles, glands and other internal organs.
What is the central nervous system?
A network of nerves and neurons that make up the brain and spinal cord.
What is the role of the central nervous system
Main role is to process information provided by the sensory systems and other parts of the body to activate appropriate actions.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
Network of nerves that transmits information between the sense organs, muscles, glands and the CNS.
Role of peripheral nervous system?
Sends sensory and motor information around the body.
The Peripheral Nervous System contains sub-branches of the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System
What is the autonomic nervous system?
Network of nerves that link the CNS with the body’s internal organs and glands, providing feedback to the brain on their activities.
Examples of the autonomic nervous system
Many of the organs, gland and processes under its control are autonomic or self-regulating.
Examples include your heartbeat, breathing, digestion and perspiration.
what are the 2 Sub-branches of autonomic nervous system
Sub-branches include:
• Sympathetic Nervous System
o Involved with arousing the body in response to a perceived emergency or threat.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System
o Primarily involved in the maintenance of processes that conserve and protect our bodily functions.
What is the role of the somatic nervous system?
- Transfers information from the sensory receptor cells in the body to the CNS.
- Carries information from the CNS to the muscles that control movement of bones.
- Involved in every move that you make
Sub-branches of somatic nervous system
Sub-branches include:
• Sensory Neurons
o Cells that receive sensory information from the external environment as well as information from within the body.
o Highly specialized and response to only a particular type of stimulation.
• Motor Neurons
o Transmit messages from the CNS to the muscles, glands and organs.
o They enable muscles to move, cause glands to secrete hormones and activate internal organs.
What is a neuron and neurons functions?
• A nerve cell that transmits information around the body, combining it with information from other sources.
• Different neurons have specialized functions:
o Transmitting information from the sense organs and sensory receptor sites within the CNS.
o Sending information to the organs, muscles and glands from the CNS.
o Carry information between the neurons.
what is the Neuron Structure and common features of a neuron
- Not all neurons are the same size, this varies depending on their specific function.
- Most neurons have common features, including a soma, dendrites, axons and axon terminals
