[02] Nervous System Divisions Flashcards
How many main divisions does the nervous system have?
Two
What are the main divisions of the nervous system?
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What composes the central nervous system (CNS)?
- Brain
- Spinal cord
What is the role of the central nervous system (CNS)?
It processes and coordinates sensory data from inside and outside the body
What composes the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
- Nerves (sensory and motor neurons) outside the brain and spinal cord
What is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
It connects the CNS to the rest of the body, carrying sensory and motor information
What are the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
- Somatic nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
It controls voluntary muscle movements and conveys sensory information to the CNS
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
It controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate
What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?
It prepares the body for intense physical activity (fight or flight response)
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
It relaxes the body and inhibits or slows many high energy functions (rest and digest response)
What is CNS?
Central Nervous System
What is PNS?
Peripheral Nervous System
What is the function of the enteric nervous system?
It manages every aspect of digestion
Where is the enteric nervous system located?
It’s embedded in the lining of the gastrointestinal system
Is the enteric nervous system part of the CNS or PNS?
It’s generally considered a part of the PNS, but operates independently of both CNS and PNS
What happens when the CNS and PNS fail to function properly?
It can result in neurologic disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or Multiple Sclerosis
What is the process of communication in the nervous system?
Information is passed along the neurons in the form of electrical signals and between neurons in the form of chemical signals
