The nervous system Flashcards
What is the nervous system?
A complex network of nerve cells that carry messages around the body
What are the 2 divisions of the nervous system?
The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
What are the 2 components of the central nervous system?
The brain and the spinal cord
What are the 2 functions of the central nervous system?
Controls behaviour and controls the regulation of physiological processes
What is the main function of the spinal cord?
To relay information between the brain and the rest of the body
What 4 areas can the brain be divided into?
The cerebellum, the cerebrum, the diencephalon and the brain stem
What is the largest part of the brain?
The cerebrum
What are the 4 lobes of the cerebrum?
The occipital lobe, the temporal lobe, the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe
What is the role of the cerebellum?
Controls a person’s motor skills and balance
What is the role of the brain stem?
Regulates automatic functions
What are the 2 main divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
What is the role of the somatic nervous system?
Carries sensory and motor information from the CNS to the rest of the body
What type of muscle contraction is associated with the somatic nervous system?
Skeletal muscle contraction
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?
Governs the brain’s involuntary activities
What type of muscle contraction is associated with the autonomic nervous system?
Smooth muscle contraction
