NERVOUS SYSTEM

• The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body
• Neurons are specialised cells that transmit information around the nervous system
• The brain is the control centre of the nervous system
• Motor neurones carry messages from the CNS to effectors (muscles or glands)
• Interneurones are found within the CNS, they relay messages between other neurones
• Sensory neurones carry messages from sensory receptors to the CNS
• Interneurones link sensory and motor neurones together within the CNS
• The autonomic division controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion
• The somatic division controls voluntary movements
• Reflexes are rapid automatic responses to stimuli
• The spinal cord contains reflex arcs which allow us to respond quickly to certain stimuli without conscious thought
• There is an afferent pathway which carries information towards the CNS
• The cerebellum coordinates movement and maintains posture
• The basal ganglia control complex movements
• There is an efferent pathway which carries information away from the CNS
• Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across synapses
• Dopamine is involved in reward and motivation
• The thalamus relays information between different parts of the nervous system
• The brainstem connects the forebrain with the spinal cord
• The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis by controlling body temperature, hunger and thirst
• The pituitary gland releases hormones that regulate growth and development
• The medulla oblongata regulates heart rate, breathing and blood pressure
• The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger and thirst
• The pituitary gland releases hormones that regulate growth and reproduction
• Serotonin is involved in mood regulation and sleep
• GABA inhibits nerve impulses
• The NS splits into the CNS and PNS
• the CNS is the brain and spinal cord
• The PNS splits into the somatic NS and the autonomic NS
• the autonomic NS splits into the sympathetic and parasympathetic NS
• PSNS= rest and digest
• SNS= fight vs flight
• SENSORY NERUONS

  • cell body on outside/middle
  • long dendrites
  • shorter axon
• RELAY NEURONS

  • central cell body
  • short dendrites and short axons
• MOTOR NEURONS

  • long axon
  • shorter dendrites
• stimulus - receptor - sensory neuron - relay neuron - cns - motor neurone - effector - response
• reflex = fast automatic responses. Protect u from injury