Also, I am unsure how to answer this question: Which is more important in maintaining our survival without conscious awareness or effort: the autonomic nervous system or the central nervous system? Explain with reference to an example.
I was thinking the answer would be the ANS because it is involved with involuntary actions which occur without 'conscious awareness or effort'. But we don't voluntarily control the actions of the CNS either. And the ANS has the fight-flight response which maintains our survival.
Thanks!
Yes, it is the autonomic nervous system.
This is because the ANS main functions are to
self regulate the bodies organs, visceral muscles and glands, without any conscious effort or awareness. In a way, this constantly maintains our survival, because if we had to put effort into breathing or digestion everytime then we wouldn't be able to really survive.
Furthermore, the ANS is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The
sympathetic nervous system is activated
involuntarily when we are faced with a fearful stimulus or in a threatening situation, to
enhance our survival. The parasympathetic nervous system also is crucial for survival as it
maintains a state of homeostasis in the body. If it weren't for the parasympathetic nervous system returning the body to a calm state than an individual could be at risk to seizures and hyperventilating, all things that don't enhance our survival.
Also, the questions asks which is
more important in maintaining survival. The CNS is also important but its role is to more process information and provide an appropriate response.
Side note: For me, the keywords were '
without conscious awareness and effort', this sort of straightaway directs me to look at the ANS.
I hope this sort of answers your question. I can't think of an example of the top of my head as well ... sorry.
(Anyone feel free to correct me anywhere if I'm wrong, thnx)