Structure + function of the nervous system

• The central nervous system

  • Made up of the brain and spinal cord
• The spinal cord

  • Structure running down our back
  • Carries incoming and outgoing messages between the brain and the body
• The brain

  • Where all decision making takes place
  • At the base of the brain is the brain stem
  • The brain stem controls all basic functions
• The peripheral nervous system

  • Receives and sends messages to the CNS
  • Divided into the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system
• The somatic nervous system

  • We have control over this system
  • Controls our movement
  • We don't control our reflexes
• The autonomic nervous system

  • We have no control over this system
  • Co-ordinates important functions such as breathing and digestion
  • Divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
• Sympathetic nervous system

  • Fight or flight
• Parasympathetic nervous system

  • Rest and digest
• Nervous system

  • Network of neurons and fibres that transmit nerve impulses between parts of the body