nervous system

Created by

grace sawtell

Cards (18)

🫀what is the nervous system?
complex network of cells and fibres that coordinates the body's activities
2 parts of the nervous system
central
peripheral
components of the central nervous system
brain - conscious awareness
spinal cord - reflex actions
🔑 key functions of CNS
processes and interprets information
coordinates voluntary and involuntary responses
sends messages to and from the brain
💼 function of peripheral nervous system
transmits messages from the CNS to the rest of the body
2 subsystems of peripheral nervous system
somatic
autonomic
🔸 somatic nervous system
voluntary movements
sensory information
motor commands
🔸 autonomic nervous system
involuntary functions
no conscious control
regulates internal functions to maintain homeostasis
2 subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system
sympathetic
parasympathetic
role of sympathetic nervous system
fight or flight
🔑 key functions of sympathetic nervous system
increase heart rate
dilate pupils
inhibit digestion
release adrenaline
hormones in sympathetic nervous system
adrenaline
noradrenaline
role of parasympathetic nervous system
rest and digest
🔑 key functions of parasympathetic nervous system
slows heart rate
stimulate digestion
conserve energy
hormones involved in parasympathetic nervous system
acetylcholine
✅ nervous system
highly objective
measured using fMRI, EEG and neuroimaging
increases internal validity
high scientific credibility
✅ nervous system
real-world application in healthcare
autonomic nervous system treats chronic stress
central nervous system developed treatments for neurological disorders
practical utility
❌ nervous system
biological reductionism
ignoring psychological, social and environmental factors
oversimplifies complex human behaviour