PYC1512
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 26 March 2026
Question 1
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are the two
main parts of the human nervous system. The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord,
and it functions as the main control centre of the body. It receives information from the body,
processes it and sends instructions to different organs and muscles so that the body can
respond appropriately (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3)
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves that extend from the brain and
spinal cord to other parts of the body. These nerves carry sensory information to the CNS
and motor messages from the CNS to the rest of the body, allowing communication between
the central nervous system and other body structures (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3)
Therefore, the main difference is that the CNS acts as the control centre, while the PNS
connects the CNS with the rest of the body and transmits information between them.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Question 1
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are
the two main parts of the human nervous system. The CNS consists of the brain and
the spinal cord, and it functions as the main control centre of the body. It receives
information from the body, processes it and sends instructions to different organs
and muscles so that the body can respond appropriately (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p.
3)
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves that extend from the
brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. These nerves carry sensory
information to the CNS and motor messages from the CNS to the rest of the body,
allowing communication between the central nervous system and other body
structures (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3)
Therefore, the main difference is that the CNS acts as the control centre, while the
PNS connects the CNS with the rest of the body and transmits information between
them.
Question 2
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls automatic body functions that occur
without conscious effort. One function of the ANS is to regulate internal organs such
as the heart, stomach and intestines. Another function is to prepare the body for
action in situations of stress or danger through the sympathetic nervous system and
restore the body to a relaxed state through the parasympathetic nervous system
(PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3–4)
Question 3
Epigenetic changes refer to changes in the way genes are expressed without
altering the actual DNA structure. In other words, epigenetics affects whether certain
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 26 March 2026
Question 1
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are the two
main parts of the human nervous system. The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord,
and it functions as the main control centre of the body. It receives information from the body,
processes it and sends instructions to different organs and muscles so that the body can
respond appropriately (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3)
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves that extend from the brain and
spinal cord to other parts of the body. These nerves carry sensory information to the CNS
and motor messages from the CNS to the rest of the body, allowing communication between
the central nervous system and other body structures (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3)
Therefore, the main difference is that the CNS acts as the control centre, while the PNS
connects the CNS with the rest of the body and transmits information between them.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Question 1
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are
the two main parts of the human nervous system. The CNS consists of the brain and
the spinal cord, and it functions as the main control centre of the body. It receives
information from the body, processes it and sends instructions to different organs
and muscles so that the body can respond appropriately (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p.
3)
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves that extend from the
brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. These nerves carry sensory
information to the CNS and motor messages from the CNS to the rest of the body,
allowing communication between the central nervous system and other body
structures (PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3)
Therefore, the main difference is that the CNS acts as the control centre, while the
PNS connects the CNS with the rest of the body and transmits information between
them.
Question 2
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls automatic body functions that occur
without conscious effort. One function of the ANS is to regulate internal organs such
as the heart, stomach and intestines. Another function is to prepare the body for
action in situations of stress or danger through the sympathetic nervous system and
restore the body to a relaxed state through the parasympathetic nervous system
(PYC1512 Study Unit 1, p. 3–4)
Question 3
Epigenetic changes refer to changes in the way genes are expressed without
altering the actual DNA structure. In other words, epigenetics affects whether certain
