Divisions of the nervous system

Question 1

Central nervous system

Answer 1

-The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord and its main function is to process information and coordinate responses
The brain: The brain handles complex processes and functions (thought, emotion, decision-making etc)
The spinal cord: The spinal cord relays information between the brain and the rest of the body; it is also involved in reflex actions

Question 2

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 2

-The peripheral nervous system is a body-wide network of messenger neurones e.g sensory neurones and motor neurones
-The peripheral nervous system is split into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system

Question 3

Divisions of the peripheral nervous system (somatic nervous system)

Answer 3

-The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements
-Controls skeletal muscles

Question 4

Divisions of the peripheral nervous system (autonomic system)

Answer 4

-The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary responses e.g heart rate
-The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 5

Divisions of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic nervous system)

Answer 5

-The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response, which prepares the body for stressful or threatening situations
-Key effects include:
-Increased heart rate/ breathing rate
-Pupil dilation
-Inhibited digestion/salivation
-Release of adrenaline (from the adrenal medulla)

Question 6

Divisions of the autonomic nervous system (parasympathetic nervous system)

Answer 6

-The parasympathetic nervous system activates the “rest and digest” response, which returns the body to resting state after the threat has passed
Key effects include:
-Decreased heart rate/breathing rate
-Pupil constriction
-Stimulated digestion/salivation