Biopsychology - the divisions of the nervous system

Question 1

What is the nervous system?

Answer 1

The body’s main communication system (very fast acting)
Complex network of specialised nerve cells (neurons) which pass info around the body using electrical signals and chemicals (neurotransmitters)

Question 2

What is the structure of the nervous system?

Answer 2

Human nervous system
(Left hand-side)
Central nervous system
(Brain + Spinal Cord)
(Right hand-side)
Peripheral nervous system
(L - autonomic nervous system)
(Sympathetic division + Parasympathetic division)
(R - somatic system)

Question 3

What is the (central nervous system) CNS made up of?

Answer 3

Brain (centre of conscious awareness) and spinal cord

Question 4

What is the cerebral cortex?

Answer 4

3mm outer layer, highly developed in humans (distinguishes our higher mental functions from other animals)

Question 5

What is grey matter?

Answer 5

Another name of the cerebral cortex made up of cell bodies

Question 6

What is white matter?

Answer 6

Made up of nerve fibres (axon)

Question 7

What is the spinal cord?

Answer 7

Extension of the brain - responsible for reflex actions

Question 8

What is the (peripheral nervous system) PNS made up of?

Answer 8

Nerve fibres (axons) which are connected to the CNS

Question 9

What is the function of the PNS?

Answer 9

Sends info to the CNS from the outside world and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body

Question 10

What does the somatic nervous system do?

Answer 10

• Transmits sensory signals (through sensory pathways) and motor signals (through motor pathways) to and from the CNS
• Controls conscious movement as it sends instructions from the CNS to effectors in muscles and glands
• Transmits info from the receptor cells in sense organs to the CNS (takes info from the external environment)

Question 11

What is the somatic system made up of?

Answer 11

Mostly myelinated nerve fibres (means it acts quickly)

Question 12

What does the autonomic nerve system (ANS) do?

Answer 12

• Controls function of organs and glands. Responsible for control of bodily functions not consciously directed (breathing)
• Only transmits info to and from internal bodily organs so doesn’t need sensory pathways

Question 13

What is the ANS made up of?

Answer 13

Mostly unmyelinated nerve fibres

Question 14

What are the subdivisions of the ANS?

Answer 14

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

Question 15

What does the sympathetic branch of the ANS do?

Answer 15

Responds to perceived threats in environment by producing physiological changes that prepare the body for fight or flight

Question 16

What does the parasympathetic branch of the ANS do?

Answer 16

Restores normal physiological functioning when the threat has passed (rest and digest)

Question 17

How do you remember which branch is which (symp vs para)?

Answer 17

Para = parachute - (slows you down) so restores to rest + digest