1 - The Human Nervous System

• The Human Nervous System

  A specialised network of cells in the human body & its our primary internal communication system - it has 2 main functions & is divided into 2 parts.

  It is based on electrical (and chemical) signals whereas the endocrine system is based on hormones.
• Human Nervous Systems 2 main functions

  1. To collect, process and respond to information in the environment
  2. To coordinate the working if different organs and cells in the body
• Human nervous system's 2 parts

  • CNS - Central Nervous System
  • PNS - Peripheral Nervous System
• Central Nervous System made of?

  • BRAIN
  • SPINAL CORD
• Brain

  • Brain is the centre of all CONSCIOUS AWARNESS
  • The outer layer - the cerebral cortex - highly developed in humans & is what distinguishes our higher mental functions from those of most animals
  • Cerebral Cortex is about 3mm thick.
  • Inner sub cortex - responsible for psychological processes = memory and physiological = movement and life functions (like heart beat)
  • Brain is divided into 2 hemispheres (right & left) & 4 lobes/regions
• Spinal Cord

  • This is an extension of the brain
  • It is responsible/coordinates reflex actions/responses like pulling hand away from hot plate
• CNS def

  • Consists of Brain & Spinal Cord and is the origin of all complex demands & decisions.
  • The MAIN CONTROL CENTRE
  • It passes messages to and from the brain and connects nerves to the PNS
• Peripheral Nervous System - structure & function

  • PNS transmits messages via millions of neurons to and from the nervous system.
  • Sends info to the CNS from the outside world AND transmits messages from the CNS to muscles & glands in the body via neurons (nerve cells) - how we interact with the world around us
  • Its divided into the ANS & SNS
• ANS

  • Autonomic Nervous System
• SNS

  • Somatic Nervous System
• ANS

  • Governs VITAL FUNCTIONS in the body like breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal, homeostasis & stress responses
  • (Involuntary/automatic psychological processes)
  • SPLIT INTO PARASYMPATHETIC & SYMPATHETIC BRANCHES
• SNS

  • The SNS “maintains communication between CNS (brain) & the outside world”.
  • SNS made up of sensory receptors that recieve & carry information from the outside world to the CNS, and motor pathways that allow the brain to control movement and provide muscle responses (effectors).
  • Consists of sensory & motor neurones
  • Controls VOLUNTARY muscle movement
• Parts of the Human Nervous System?

  Parts of the Human Nervous System?

  A) A?

  B) B?

  C) C?

  D) D?

  E) E?

  F) F?

  G) G?

  H) H?

  I) I?