AP Psychology Lesson: The Nervous System: Command Center of Behavior

Unit: Biological Bases of Behavior | Lesson: 2 of 6 | Topic: The Nervous System: Command Center of Behavior
AP Exam Weighting: 15–25%
Instructions: Complete this lesson during class by filling in the blanks and answering questions. All information needed is provided or will be researched in class. This lesson prepares you for the AP Psychology exam by exploring how the nervous system’s structures and functions control behavior, a key concept for understanding the biological basis of psychology. Use the provided spaces to write your answers clearly, focusing on applying concepts critically.

Warm-Up

Purpose: Get you thinking about how your body responds to signals.
Questions:

  1. What physical changes do you notice in your body when you’re scared (e.g., during a horror movie)?

  2. How might your brain and nerves be involved in these reactions?
    Your Answers: Write a short response (1–2 sentences) for each question.

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Key Concepts

Instructions: Read the information below and answer the questions to learn core AP concepts.
Content: The nervous system coordinates behavior and mental processes through its two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) (brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and decision-making) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) (nerves outside the CNS, connecting the body to the brain). The PNS includes the somatic nervous system (controls voluntary movements, e.g., raising your hand to answer a question) and the autonomic nervous system (manages involuntary functions like heartbeat). The autonomic system splits into the sympathetic nervous system (activates fight-or-flight responses, e.g., increased heart rate during stress) and the parasympathetic nervous system (restores calm, e.g., slows heart rate after danger). The reflex arc is a rapid, automatic response involving the spinal cord (e.g., pulling your hand from a hot surface). Example: When you’re startled by a loud noise, the sympathetic nervous system increases your heart rate, while the parasympathetic system later calms you down. Damage to the CNS (e.g., spinal cord injury) can impair movement or sensation, while PNS issues may disrupt communication between body and brain. The nervous system’s plasticity allows it to adapt, such as rewiring after injury, influencing behaviors like learning or recovery.

  1. Define central nervous system: _______________________________

  2. Define peripheral nervous system: _______________________________

  3. Define sympathetic nervous system: _______________________________

  4. Explain how the somatic nervous system influences a voluntary behavior, using a specific example:

  5. Explain how the autonomic nervous system influences an involuntary behavior, using a different example:

  6. How does the reflex arc demonstrate the nervous system’s role in behavior?

  7. Why might damage to the spinal cord affect behavior differently than damage to the PNS?

  8. How does nervous system plasticity relate to behavioral changes, such as recovery from injury?

Guided Activity

Instructions: Work in pairs to complete the two tasks below. Write your answers and be prepared to share one key point from each task with the class.
Task 1: Scenario Analysis: Scenario: During a soccer game, a player quickly kicks a ball to avoid a defender, then feels their heart racing after a near-collision with another player. Analyze how the nervous system’s components (CNS, PNS, somatic, autonomic, sympathetic, parasympathetic) contribute to these behaviors. For example, consider which system controls the kick and which causes the heart rate increase.
Your Response for Task 1: Explain the role of each nervous system component in these behaviors.

Class Share for Task 1: Note one point you’ll share.

Task 2: Case Application: Imagine a student who suffered a spinal cord injury and can no longer walk but can still feel emotions like excitement. Apply the concepts of CNS, PNS, and nervous system plasticity to explain their condition and potential for behavioral adaptation. For example, evaluate how the injury affects the somatic system and whether plasticity could aid recovery of other behaviors.
Your Response for Task 2: Apply the concepts to explain the student’s condition and adaptation potential.

Class Share for Task 2: Note one point you’ll share.

Do Class Assignment

AP Exam Practice

Instructions: Answer the question below. We’ll review answers as a class to learn exam strategies.
Free-Response Question (FRQ):
Explain how the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and nervous system plasticity interact to influence a specific behavior (e.g., movement, stress response, or learning). Provide one example for each factor (CNS, PNS, plasticity) and analyze how they interact to shape the behavior.

Closure

Instructions: Write a brief summary (2–3 sentences) of two key ideas you learned today about how the nervous system influences behavior.

Extended Practice

Instructions: Complete the tasks below based on today’s lesson to reinforce AP skills.

  1. Review your answers from this lesson.

  2. Write a detailed paragraph (5–7 sentences) applying today’s topic to a real-life behavior (e.g., how your nervous system responds during a stressful exam or a physical activity). Include references to the CNS, PNS, and either the somatic/autonomic systems or plasticity, and explain their interaction.

  3. Find a short article or study on the nervous system and behavior (e.g., via apa.org) and write 2–3 sentences summarizing its relevance to today’s lesson. Cite the source (e.g., website or article title).

Last modified: Sunday, 7 September 2025, 6:13 AM