PYC1512
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 26 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 26 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
