1. Stage 1 Psychology Human Nervous System

2. The nervous system is made up of several parts. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is made up of the areas encased by bone-- the brain and spinal cord. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes the rest of the nervous system ("peripheral" referring to the body outside the CNS).

3. Central Nervous System (CNS) It’s role is to process information supplied by the sensory systems and other parts of the body and to activate appropriate actions. The brain is where all information is processed. The spinal cord’s role is to send sensory information to the brain and to receive motor information from the brain and pass it to the rest of the body.

4. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) The PNS transmits information between the sense organs, muscles and glands and the CNS. It includes all parts of the nervous system minus the brain and spinal cord. It extends to the tips of the fingers and toes.

5. The PNS can be divided into 2 sub systems The Somatic nervous system The Autonomic nervous system

6. The somatic nervous system (SNS) Also called the skeletal nervous system as it connects skeletal muscles with the CNS enabling voluntary movement Involved in all muscular movement. The SNS has both a sensory and motor function. There is a network of sensory neurons that transmit information from the sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. There are also motor neurons that carry information from the CNS to the muscles that will carry out the action. (See Neuron powerpoint for more information about neurons)

7. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) The ANS is a network of nerves that connects the CNS with the body’s internal organs and glands. It also provides feedback to the CNS on their activities. Parts of the body under this control are automatic or self-regulating. Eg. heartbeat, breathing etc

8. The ANS can be divided up into two systems The sympathetic nervous system The parasympathetic nervous system

9. Sympathetic Nervous System (SyNS) The SyNS is involved in preparing the body in response to a proposed threat or emergency. It activates important and dramatic changes in the body- changes that prepare the body for movement. FIGHT OR FLIGHT

11. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PaNS) The PaNS is active at restful times. It is involved with the preservation and maintenance of normal bodily functions eg. digestive processes, adjusting eyes for vision. Important for maintaining a steady internal environment for the body (ie. Homeostasis) Counteracts the activities of the SyNS after arousal is no longer needed (ie when the perceived threat is gone).