Understanding the Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous System

Contents
Assignment Brief
Plan
Assignment
Resubmission
Tutor Feedback Form
Assignment Brief TA1
Unit Title: Nervous System Credits: 3 Level 3
Access to HE
Diploma:
ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA (HEALTH SCIENCE
PROFESSIONS)
Descriptors applied to
assignment: 1 2 7
Name:
Download Date: Plan submitted: Extension Requested:
(Yes) (No)
Deadline Date: Submission Date: Word Count:
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Understand the basic structure and function of the nervous system.
2. Understand the nature of nerve impulses.
3. Understand the principles of synaptic transmission.
Unit Assessment Criteria Applied to Assignment

Number of assignments to this unit: One Nine Written Questions and Answers
Page No.
where you
have
covered the
assessment
criteria
Assessment Criterion:
Please also indicate where you have covered the assessment criteria in
your actual submission.
1.1. Identify the component parts of the central nervous system and the
peripheral nervous system, and state their functions
1.2. Describe the autonomic nervous system
1.3. Describe the structure of a sensory neurone and a motor neurone, and
explain their functions in a reflex arc.
2.1 Describe and explain the transmission of an action potential in a
myelinated neurone
2.2 Describe the all-or-nothing nature of nerve impulses
2.3 Explain the importance of the myelin sheath and the refractory period in
determining the speed of nervous impulses.
3.1 Describe the structure of a cholinergic synapse, and explain how it
functions
3.2 Explain the role of synapses in the nervous system in determining the
direction of nerve impulse transmission and in allowing the
interconnection of nerve pathways
3.3 Describe the causes and effects of synaptic inhibition.
Grade Descriptor 1 – Understanding the Subject GI
For Merit work should:
a. demonstrate a very good grasp of the
relevant knowledge base.
For Distinction work should:
a. demonstrate an excellent grasp of the
relevant knowledge base.
Grade Descriptor 2 – Application of Knowledge GI
For Merit work should:
a. make use of relevant facts
c. show very good levels of accuracy
For Distinction work should:
a. make use of relevant facts
c. show excellent levels of accuracy
Grade Descriptor 7 - Quality GI
For Merit work should: For Distinction work should:
2

a. demonstrate a very good response to the
demands of the brief
a. demonstrate a excellent response to the
demands of the brief
Word count guideline: 2000 words
Sanctions apply for graded assessments that are over/under the allocated word limit
by more than 10% - please see Student Handbook for details.
 You may submit a plan to discuss with your tutor to ensure you are on the right
track. Please upload this in the relevant area of the VLE well in advance of the
assignment deadline.
 Your completed assignment should be copied onto page 9 of THIS document. Do
not upload as separate file.
3

Assignment
Question 1 (1.1, 1.2)
a) Present the nervous system as a flow diagram in a similar format to the one in the
example below and label its component parts giving an account of their functions.
b) Describe in detail the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), also referred to as the vegetative nervous system,
refers to a central component of the peripheral nervous system. The principal function of the
ANS is to send impulses to the glands and the smooth muscle, thereby creating an impact on
the internal organs. In addition, the ANS also acts in the form of a control system that is
responsible for exerting a control on several physiological functions such as, digestion, heart
rate, urination, pupillary response, respiratory rate, and sexual arousal. Furthermore, the ANSThe nervous System -
It is a complex system of cells and
nerves that are responsible for the
conduction of impulses to and from
the spinal cord and the brain
The nervous System -
It is a complex system of cells and
nerves that are responsible for the
conduction of impulses to and from
the spinal cord and the brainPeripheral Nervous System -
Made up of cranial and spinal
nerves
It carries impulses between the
body and the CNS
Peripheral Nervous System -
Made up of cranial and spinal
nerves
It carries impulses between the
body and the CNSAutonomic
(involuntary)
Autonomic
(involuntary)Parasympathetic
nervous system
Parasympathetic
nervous systemSympathetic nervous
system
Sympathetic nervous
systemSomatic (voluntary)
Somatic (voluntary)Central Nervous System -
Consists of the brain and the spinal
cord
It integrates and processes
information
Central Nervous System -
Consists of the brain and the spinal
cord
It integrates and processes
informationSpinal cord
Spinal cordBrainBrain
4