The structure, function and main disorders of the nervous system

Question 1

Central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 1

Apart of the brain and spinal cord.

Acts as the control center for the body.

Coordinates both voluntary (conscious) and involuntary (automatic) activities.

Question 2

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 2

Made up of motor neurones (which send signals from CNS to muscles/glands),

Sensory neurones (which carry signals from sensory organs to CNS),

Connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

Question 3

Autonomic Nervous System (apart of PNS)

Answer 3

Sympathetic nervous system: prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses (e.g., increases heart rate).

Parasympathetic nervous system: promotes ‘rest and digest’ activities (e.g., slows heart rate).

Question 4

Function

Answer 4

Nerve impulses (electrical signals) travel between the body and brain to control actions and responses.

Question 5

Disorders of Nervous system-
Parkinson’s disease

Answer 5

A progressive neurological disorder affecting movement.

Caused by loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.

Symptoms: tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems.

Question 6

Disorders of Nervous system-
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Answer 6

An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers.

Leads to communication problems between the brain and body.

Symptoms: muscle weakness, vision problems, fatigue, and coordination difficulties.

Question 7

Dementia

Answer 7

A general term for decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Common forms include Alzheimer’s disease.

Symptoms: memory loss, confusion, difficulty thinking and reasoning.