The nervous system

• the function of the nervous system

  The nervous system is a specialised network of cells, known as neurons. These neurons collect, process and respond to info in the environment through the control or organs and muscles
• Give an example of the function of the nervous system

  E.g. Sensorelle neurons collect info from sensory organs and carry this message to relay neurons in the brain. Relay neurons analyse the sensations and decide how to respond.They then send the message to motor neurons that connect with skeletal muscles to allow for a physical response.
• Why is the nervous system used when behaviours need completing quickly

  The ns is the fastest acting system in the body, because. neurons transmit electrical impulses
• Central nervous system (CNS)

  Comprises the brain and spinal cord
• Brain: Role in the CNS

  Plays or roll in psychological processes (e.g. visual and auditory perception) and higher mental functions (e.g. decision making and language).
• Spinal cord: Role in the CNS

  Transmits info to and from the brain. This allows the brain to Monitor and regulate bodily processes, such as breathing and digestion , and to control voluntary movements. It also controls reflex responses.
• The Peripheral NS


  Comprises the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
• Autonomic NS


  Involved in unconscious, involuntary life maintaining processes such as heart rate through the control of interreal organs. It therefore, comprises purely of motor pathways. The autonomic system carries commands from the brain stem.
• Autonomic NS


  Involved in unconscious, involuntary life maintaining processes such as heart rate through the control of interreal organs. It therefore, comprises purely of motor pathways. The autonomic system carries commands from the brain stem.
• The somatic NS


  Connects the CNS system with the senses and is involved in concious voluntary movements through the control of skeletal muscles. It is therefore comprised of sensory and motor pathways. The somatic System carries commands from the motor cortex in the brain
• what is in the Autonomic NS

  • sympathetic NS
  • Parasympathetic NS
• Sympathetic NS


  Responds to percieved threats by producing psychological changes that prepare the body for the fight or flight response
• Parasympathetic NS


  Restores normal phycological functioning once a threat has passed to conserve energy.