Nervous System

Explain the spinal cord's structure in the central nervous system.

The spinal cord is a long, thin bundle of nerve tissue that extend from the base of the brain to the lower back. It is encased in a series of bones called the vertebrae that extend further than the actual spinal cord. The spinal cord links the brain and parts of the body below the neck.

Identify the two main functions of the spinal cord.

One main function of the spinal cord is to receive sensory information from the body(via the peripheral nervous system) and send these messages to the brain for processing. Another main function of the spinal cord is to relay motor information from the brain to the relevant parts of the body(via the peripheral nervous system) to control muscles, glands and internal organs so that appropriate actions can be taken in response to stimuli.

What are the main functions of the autonomic nervous system?

The main functions of the autonomic system is to regulate the functioning of internal organs automatically by carrying messages from these organs to the central nervous system. For example the ANS regulates heart rate, breathing, digestion, salivation and perspiration actions that occur without your conscious control

Identify the main functions of the central nervous system.

The main functions of the central nervous system is to PROCESS information received through sensory systems and other parts of the body and to activate appropriate actions to the external/internal stimuli.

What are the main functions of the somatic nervous system?

The main functions of the somatic nervous system is to carry sensory information from nerves to the central nervous system and also carry motor information from the central nervous system along motor neural pathways to muscles to control their activity.

Identify the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system has two divisions called the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system.

What is the autonomic system made of?

The autonomic system is a network of nerves.

What protects the Central Nervous system?

The brain and spinal cord are both protected by bone, the brain by the skull and the spinal cord by the spinal column. The brain and the spinal cord are also covered by the meninges and suspended in cerebrospinal fluid to cushion blows.

Explain the brain's role in the central nervous system.

The brain plays a vital role in processing information received through nerve pathways from the body and directing responses.

What makes up the central nervous system?

The central nervous system comprises of the brain and the spinal cord.

What connects the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?

The central nervous system is connected to the peripheral nervous system by the spinal cord.

What is the parasympathetic nervous system's role?

The parasympathetic nervous system calms the body to its normal state of functionality after an extreme emotion subsides or a threat has passed.

What makes up the peripheral nervous system?

The peripheral nervous system includes all parts of the nervous system that lie outside the brain and the spinal cord.

How does the brain play a role after a spinal reflex?

Whilst the spinal cord sends the return message to the hand, another message is being sent to the brain which may trigger another reaction when you become aware of the stimulus. For example, you might feel pain.

The somatic nervous system is also called...?

the somatic nervous system is also called the skeletal nervous system because it connects the skeletal muscles with the central nervous system.

Identify the three main functions of the nervous system.

1. receive information 2. process information 3. coordinate a response to information

Define spinal reflex.

A spinal reflex is an involuntary response that occurs immediately (without consulting the brain) in response to certain stimuli such as when you touch something hot and automatically withdraw your hand. The nerves in your hand send a message to the central nervous system. The message from your hand reaches the spinal cord first. It's immediate response serves as an adaptive function to protect you from potential harm by immediately sending a return message to the muscles in your arm and hand to contract and move away from the harm.

Where in the body are the sensory receptor sites?

The sensory receptor sites in the body are located in skin, muscles, joints and tendons.

What are the two main divisions of the human nervous system?

The two main divisions of the human nervous system are the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

HOW does the peripheral nervous system connect the central nervous system to all other parts of the body?

Information is collected from sensory receptors all over the body(PNS) and taken to the brain via the spinal cord.

What is the somatic nervous system made of?

The sensory nervous system is a network of nerves.

What is the sympathetic nervous system's role?

The sympathetic nervous system's role is to arouse the body when we experience an extreme emotion or feel threatened such as when riding a roller coaster or being approached by a vicious-looking dog as we walk along the street.