nervous system

• What is the definition of a neuron

  building blocks of the nervous system that transmit signals electrically/chemically around the body as a primary means of communication

  • 100 billion neurons in the human nervous system
  • 80% located in brain
  • Only travel in one direction
• What is the definition of the nervous system?

  network of nerve cells and fibres that helps the body communicate with each other
• What is the function of the central nervous system

  Controls most of the functions of the body

  Consists of:

  • Brain
  • Spinal cord
• What is the function of the brain?

  Centre of Consciousness awareness

  Outer layer = cerebral cortex - highly developed in humans to give us higher-order functioning than other humans

  Two hemispheres

  Location of damage to the brain has an impact - loss of function
• What is the function of the spinal cord?

  Extension of the brain

  Responsible for reflex actions
• What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?

  Converts sensory information into signals that allow the movement of muscles

  Consists of:

  • Somatic nervous system
  • Automatic nervous system

  -Sympathetic nervous system

  -Parasympathetic nervous system
• What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

  Associated with voluntary control of the body

  e.g. skeletal muscles

  Helps us to process senses
• What is the function of the automatic nervous system?

  Regulates involuntary physiological processes

  e.g. heart-rate/blood pressure/respiration/digestion

  Consists of:

  • Sympathetic nervous system
  • Parasympathetic nervous system
• What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

  Role in responding to dangerous/stressful situations
• What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  Responsible for recovery from stressful situations

  e.g. resting feeding

  • Brings to body back to HOMEOSTATIS
• What is the function of the sensory neuron?

  Activated by sensory input/a stimulus from the environment (detects change)

  • Found in eyes/ears/nose/skin

  Carries impulses to the CNS
• What is the function of a relay/interconnecting neuron?

  Allows sensory and motor neurons to communicate

  • Found in the brain + spinal cord
  • Found between sensory input and motor output/response
• What is the function of a motor neuron?

  Control muscle movement as connected to an effector

  Releases neurotransmitters that bind to receptors on muscles that trigger movement response

  • Found in CNS