Explain why the human nervous system (including the brain) can be considered an information-processing system and identify the parts of the nervous system that perform the major functions of an information-processing system.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The three fundamental functions of any information-processing system are receiving inputs, processing those input signals, and producing outputs that are based on the processed inputs. In humans, our sense organs perform the input functions by converting signals from the environment into nerve impulses. Once converted to nerve impulses by the sense organs, these nerve impulses are transmitted electrochemically from one neuron to another along the appropriate paths to the spinal cord and then on to particular parts of the brain specialized to receive those signals. Various specialized structures in the brain interpret those inputs into nerve impulses that control motor movements of various parts of the body, including those organs associated with speech. Except for some reflex signals that don't pass through the brain, the output signals flow electrochemically from neuron to neuron along paths from the brain through the spinal cord to the nerves that control muscle movements. The peripheral nervous system performs the initial input function and the final output function and contains the sensory system and the motor system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and performs the major processing functions.