VCE 3/4 Psychology Notes – 96.9 ATAR

Summary:

This text is a comprehensive overview of the human nervous system and its components. The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, processes and coordinates responses to information received from the PNS. The brain is the information centre responsible for initiating and processing actions, thoughts, and behaviour. The spinal cord is a nerve tissue cable that carries motor and sensory information. It also controls spinal reflexes, which are rapid motor reactions independent of the brain.

The PNS includes all neurons outside the CNS and carries information to and from the CNS. It consists of two main components: the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and the Somatic Nervous System (SNS). The ANS regulates functions that do not require conscious control, such as heart rate and digestion. It is divided into the Sympathetic Nervous System, which prepares the body for high activity levels, and the Parasympathetic Nervous System, which maintains the optimal functioning of organs, muscles, and glands. The SNS sends motor information to the body’s skeletal muscles and sensory information to the CNS, allowing for voluntary responses.

The Spinal Reflex is an unconscious response to sensory stimuli that starts at the spinal cord, not involving the brain. It involves fewer steps and thus can occur more rapidly, enhancing survival by allowing an organism to respond quickly to danger.

Neurons, or nerve cells, transmit, receive, and process information in the human nervous system. They consist of various parts, including dendrites, axons, and synapses. Communication between neurons occurs through neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that pass information from neuron to neuron. Neurotransmitters can have either excitatory effects, making a neuron more likely to fire, or inhibitory effects, making a neuron less likely to fire. Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Excerpt:

VCE 3/4 Psychology Notes – 96.9 ATAR

UNIT 3
SAC 1A
2A: Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

VCE 3-4 Psychology Notes – 96.9 ATAR

Main Functions:
1) Receive information
2) Process information
3) Co-ordinate a response to information

Sensory (to the brain)
Afferent
Motor (movement) > effectors (muscles, organs and glands)
Efferent