divisions of the nervous system

Question 1

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Answer 1

The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Question 2

What are the components of the PNS?

Answer 2

The somatic nervous system (voluntary movement and sensory info) and the autonomic nervous system (involuntary functions like heart rate).

Question 3

What are the subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 3

The sympathetic nervous system (mobilises body for action) and the parasympathetic nervous system (returns body to resting state).

Question 4

strength- Biological support for CNS and PNS distinction

Answer 4

Damage to the spinal cord results in loss of function and sensation below the injury. For example, spinal cord injury patients often become paralysed, showing its role in neural transmission = supports the idea that these systems have distinct, vital functions.

Question 5

weakness- Oversimplification of autonomic functions

Answer 5

the division of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems may be explained too simply- some physiological functions involve both branches- sexual arousal needs both systems working together= challenges the rigid binary model of the ANS.