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The Human Nervous System

The human nervous system is a highly complex and integrated network responsible for controlling and coordinating all bodily functions and responses to the environment. It enables organisms to detect stimuli, process information, and produce appropriate actions. This system is broadly divided into two major parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Understanding these divisions and their functions is essential for grasping how the body and brain interact.

System Divisions Outline

1

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord. It acts as the control center for the body.
2

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Made up of all the nerves outside the CNS. Connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

CNS Core Components

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Brain

Involved in higher cognitive functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, and planning. Interprets sensory input.
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Spinal cord

Serves as a communication highway that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Mediates reflex actions.

PNS Functional Divisions

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Somatic Nervous System (SNS)Controls voluntary movements by transmitting sensory information from the skin, muscles, and joints to the CNS and sending motor commands.
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Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)Regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular activity.

Autonomic Subdivisions

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Sympathetic Nervous SystemPrepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stressful or dangerous situations. Increases heart rate and directs blood flow to muscles.
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Parasympathetic Nervous SystemPromotes 'rest and digest' functions by slowing the heart rate, stimulating digestion, and conserving energy when the body is relaxed.

Basic Functions of Divisions

System Function Action
CNS Analyze/Initiate Stores memories and processes emotions.
PNS Carry Commands Sends back sensory information.
SNS Move/Perceive Allows you to move and perceive the environment intentionally.
ANS Homeostasis Maintains automatic bodily responses.

Fight or Flight Key Changes

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Sympathetic Activation: Increased heart rate and blood pressure to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles; dilated pupils to improve vision; reduced digestive activity; release of adrenaline.

James-Lange Theory Sequence

Event → Physiological Response → Emotional Feeling
The theory proposes that emotions result from bodily reactions to stimuli. The mind interprets physical responses as emotional states.
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The Human Nervous System Deck
Term
Main Parts

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

Answer
Main Parts

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Term
Central Nervous System

What organs make up the Central Nervous System?

Answer
Organs

The brain and spinal cord.

Term
Spinal Cord Function

What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

Answer
Function

It transmits signals between the brain and the body and mediates reflexes.

Term
Peripheral Nervous System

What is the role of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Answer
Role

To connect the CNS with limbs and organs, enabling communication.

Term
PNS Divisions

Name the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System.

Answer
Divisions

Somatic Nervous System (SNS) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

Term
Somatic Nervous System

What does the Somatic Nervous System control?

Answer
Control

Voluntary movements and sensory information from skin, muscles, and joints.

Term
Autonomic Nervous System Functions

What bodily functions does the Autonomic Nervous System regulate?

Answer
Functions

Involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Term
ANS Subdivisions

What are the two subdivisions of the Autonomic Nervous System?

Answer
Subdivisions

Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System.

Term
Sympathetic Nervous System

What does the sympathetic nervous system do during the "fight or flight" response?

Answer
Response

Increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion, and redirects blood flow to muscles.

Term
Parasympathetic Nervous System

What action does the parasympathetic nervous system promote?

Answer
Action

"Rest and digest" - slows heart rate, stimulates digestion, conserves energy.

Term
James-Lange Theory

What is the James-Lange theory of emotion?

Answer
Theory

Emotions arise from the brain interpreting bodily physiological responses to stimuli.

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🧠 Human Nervous System Quiz

1. Which two structures make up the Central Nervous System?

The CNS consists only of the brain and spinal cord, which serve as the main control center and communication pathway.

2. What is the primary role of the Somatic Nervous System?

The SNS controls voluntary muscle movement and processes sensory information from the body.

3. During the fight or flight response, the sympathetic nervous system:

The sympathetic system prepares the body for immediate action by increasing energy availability and reducing non-essential functions.

4. According to the James-Lange theory, what sequence leads to emotion?

The theory posits that emotions arise after the brain interprets physiological changes caused by an event.

5. The Parasympathetic Nervous System:

The parasympathetic system restores the body to calm and maintain energy.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • GCSE
  • Neuropsychology and Brain
  • AQA