The Nervous System- PNS

Question 1

What are the 6 AO1 points you must know for the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 1

-definition and components of the PNS
-two main subdivisions of the PNS
-the somatic nervous system
-the automatic nervous system
-divisions of the ANS
-Neural transmission of the PNS

Question 2

What is the peripheral nervous system and what are its main components?

Answer 2

The PNS is a major division of the human nervous system that is outside the CNS. It consists of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Question 3

What are the main two subdivisions of the PNS and what are their functions?

Answer 3

The PNS is divided into:
• Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Controls voluntary muscle movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS.
• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Question 4

What is the role of the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) in the PNS?

Answer 4

The SNS is responsible for the voluntary control of skeletal muscles and transmits sensory information from sensory organs (e.g., skin, muscles, joints) to the CNS.

Question 5

What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in the PNS?

Answer 5

The ANS controls involuntary actions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, functioning automatically without conscious control.

Question 6

How is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) further divided, and what are their roles?

Answer 6

The ANS is divided into:
• Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Manages the ‘fight or flight’ response during stress.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Manages ‘rest and digest’ functions, promoting relaxation and energy conservation.

Question 7

How does neural transmission occur within the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

Answer 7

The PNS uses:
• Sensory (afferent) neurons: Carry information from sensory receptors to the CNS.
• Motor (efferent) neurons: Carry instructions from the CNS to muscles and glands.