A01

• What is the primary internal communication system in the human body?

  Nervous system
• How does the nervous system communicate compared to the endocrine system?

  It uses electrical and chemical signals
• What are the two main functions of the nervous system?

  • Collect, process, and respond to information
  • Co-ordinate the working of organs and cells
• What are the two subsystems of the nervous system?

  • Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

  Brain and spinal cord
• What is the role of the brain in the nervous system?

  It is the center of all conscious awareness
• How thick is the cerebral cortex?

  3 mm thick
• What distinguishes human brain functions from other animals?

  Highly developed brain for higher mental functions
• Which creatures do not have a brain?

  Sponges, sea squirts, jellyfish
• How is the brain divided?

  • Into two hemispheres
• What is the function of the spinal cord?

  It passes messages to and from the brain
• What reflex action does the spinal cord control?

  Pulling your hand away from a hot plate
• What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) do?

  Transmits messages to and from the CNS
• What are the two subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
  • Somatic nervous system (SNS)
• What functions does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) govern?

  Vital functions like breathing and heart rate
• What does the somatic nervous system (SNS) govern?

  Muscle movement and sensory information