Divisions of the Nervous System

• (AO1)The Nervous system is split into what 2 divisions?

  The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• (AO1) What are the functions of the CNS and PNS

  CNS = Processes and stores information + issues orders to muscles/glands/organs

  PNS = Translates information to and from the CNS
• (AO1) What can the CNS be further divided into? (incl. function)

  Brain and spinal cord

  Spinal cord function = bridge between brain and peripheral nerves)
• (AO1) What can the PNS be further divided into? (incl. function)

  Somatic NS = controls skeletal muscles (contains sensory and motor neurons)

  Autonomic NS = regulates glands, blood vessels, internal organs (contains only motor neurons)
• (AO1) What can the autonomic NS be further divided into?

  Sympathetic NS and Parasympathetic NS
• (AO1) What are the functions of the sympathetic NS and parasympathetic NS?

  Sympathetic NS = (increases energy) mobalises the body for action through fight or flight:

  • increases heart rate, blood pressure and sweat from sweat glands.

  Parasympathetic NS = (conserves energy) maintains quiet state through rest and digest:

  • increases digestion, salivation and decreases heart rate
• (AO1) Draw out the divisions of the nervous system diagram

  The diagram: