biological approach-nervous system

Question 1

The two main functions of the nervous system are to:

Answer 1

1) Collect, process and respond to information in the environment

2) Coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 2

Central nervous system=

Answer 2

is made up of the brain and the spinal cord

where decision making takes place; divided into LH and RH

Question 3

What is the brain covered in=

Answer 3

by an outer layer called the cerebral cortex. About 3mm thick and highly developed in humans. It is where higher mental processes such as problem-solving take place.

Question 4

What is at the base of the brain=

Answer 4

The brain stem/controls basic functions such as sleep and breathing. The brain stem connects the brain with the spinal cord.

Question 5

Spinal cord

What is it=

What does it control-

Answer 5

1. a tube-like extension of the brain (like a cable) which runs down the middle of the spine
2. reflex actions/passes signal back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body.

Question 6

The autonomic nervous system (ANS)

What is it=
What does it control=

Answer 6

1. a collection of nerves that send and receive signals between the spinal cord and body organs
2. functions that are vital for survival but do not require our conscious attention- breathing/heart rate. It also plays a key role in the body’s response to stress.

Question 7

What 2 parts can the ANS be split into….

Answer 7

Sympathetic nervous system= (fight, flight, freeze response)- increases heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate while decreases digestion and urine production

Parasympathetic nervous system= (rest and digest/ calms us back down) increases digestion and decreases heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory r

Question 8

Strength=

Answer 8

practical applications=

understanding the organizations of the nervous system has real world applications.

Musicians and actors often have anxiety before performing. It is the ANS that causes this as it creates psychological arousal that interferes with performance.

This arousal can be reduced by drugs which reduce activity of the sympathetic division

highlighting how understanding the nervous systems functions has led to effective treatments to help reduce anxiety and stress.

Question 9

weakness=

Answer 9

other systems are involved= NS does not operate on its own. It often works with the endocrine system (produces hormones). For example, the fight or flight response begins in the brain (NS) with the perception of danger. However, a signal is then sent to the endocrine system which produces several hormones; including adrenaline. Therefore our understanding of the NS is incomplete without considering the endocrine system.