a specialised network of cells in the human bodying is our primary internal communication system. electrical and chemical signals
what are the two main functions of the nervous system
to collect, process and respond to information in the environment
to co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
what is the central nervous system made up of
the brain nd the spinal cord
describe the brain
the brain is the centre of all conscious awareness
the cerebral cortex (the brains outer layer) is only 3mm thick - only found in mammals
the brain is divided into two hemispheres
describe the spinal cord
an extension of the brain - responsible for reflex actions such as pulling your hand away from a hot plate. passes messages too and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
what is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
transmits messages via millions of neurones to and from the central nervous system
split into the:
autonomic nervous system - governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestions, sexual arousal and stress responses
somatic nervous system - governs muscle movement and recieves information from sensory receptors
