nervous system

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Cards (13)

  • nervous system
    a specialised network of cells in the human body
    primary internal communication system
    based on electrical and chemical signals
  • 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
  • divisions of the nervous system
    central nervous system (CNS)
    peripheral nervous system (PNS)
  • spinal cord
    extension of the brain
    passes messages to and from the brain
    connects nervous to the PNS
    responsible for the reflex actions
  • peripheral nervous system
    transmits messages through neurons to and from the CNS
  • subdivisions of the PNS
    autonomic NS
    somatic NS
  • autonomic nervous system
    controls vital functions of the body
    breathing, heart rate, digestion
    transmits info to and from internal bodily organs
    system operates involuntarily
  • somatic nervous system
    controls muscle movement and receives info from sensory receptors
    receives info from CNS that directs muscles to act
  • divisions of the autonomic NS
    parasympathetic NS
    sympathetic NS
  • parasympathetic nervous system
    known as 'rest and digest' system
    body's resting state
    conserves the body's activity levels and energy
    regulates bodily functions
  • biological changes of parasympathetic state
    slows heart rate
    decreases breathing rate
    lowers blood pressure
    stimulates digestion
  • sympathetic state
    associated with 'flight or fight' response
    prepares body for physical action
    triggered when body is in alert state
    enables a fast, automatic response to threat
  • biological changes of sympathetic state
    increases heart rate
    increases breathing rate
    inhibits digestion
    sweating