Biopsychology notes for AQA A-Level Paper 2 [psych]

BIOPSYCHOLOGY
PAPER 2

,THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

, THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system has 2 main functions: It’s divide into 2 sub-systems:
❏ To collect, process & respond to info in the - Central nervous system [CNS]
environment.
- Peripheral nervous system [PNS]
❏ To co-ordinate the working of different
organs & cells in the body.
THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
The PNS transmits messages via neurons
● The brain is the centre of all conscious
[nerve cells] to & from the CNS. The PNS is
awareness. The brain’s outer layer, the
further subdivided into the:
cerebral cortex, is highly developed in humans
● Autonomic nervous system = governs
and what distinguishes us from animals. The
vital functions in the body such as
brain is divided into 2 hemispheres.
breathing.
● Spinal cord is an extension of the brain. It’s
● Somatic nervous system = controls
responsible for reflex actions such as pulling
muscle movement & receives info from
your hand away from a hot plate. It passes
sensory receptors.
messages to & from the brain + connects
nerves to the PNS.

, ENDOCRINE SYSTEM