Nervous system

Question 1

What is the nervous system?

Answer 1

Specialised network of cells in human body
Primary internal communication system
Based on electrical and chemical signals

Question 2

What are the two functions of the nervous system?

Answer 2

1. To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
2. To coordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body

Question 3

What is the central nervous system?

Answer 3

Complex processing
Brain - centre of conscious awareness and divided into regions with different functions
Spinal chord - responsible for reflex actions and transmits messages to and from the brain

Question 4

What is the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 4

Transmits messages via neurones to and from the CNS
Sensory different neurons to CNS
Motor neurones away from CNS

Question 5

What is the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 5

Controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion

Question 6

What is the somatic nervous system?

Answer 6

Controls voluntary muscle movements
Receives info from sensory receptors

Question 7

What is the autonomic nervous system divided into?

Answer 7

Sympathetic and parasympathetic

Question 8

What is sympathetic?

Answer 8

Increase bodily activity to prepare for action
Fight or flight

Question 9

What is parasympathetic?

Answer 9

Decreases bodily activity to conserve energy
Calms (rest and digest)