2.2 The nervous system: Your body's information superhighway

Question 1

Central nervous system

Answer 1

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal chord.

Question 2

Spinal chord

Answer 2

The column of nerves that transmits information between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

Question 3

Spine

Answer 3

The protective bony column that houses the spinal chord.

Question 4

Reflex

Answer 4

An automatic unlearned response to a particular stimuli.

Question 5

Spinal reflex

Answer 5

A reflex controlled at the level of the spinal chord that may involve as little as two neurons.

Question 6

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 6

The part of the nervous system that connects the spinal chord and brain with the sensory organs, muscles and glands.

Question 7

Somatic nervous system

Answer 7

The part of the peripheral nervous system that transmits information between the central nervous system and the sensory organs and muscles; also controls voluntary movements.

Question 8

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 8

The part of the peripheral nervous system that automatically regulates involuntary bodily processes, such as breathing, heart rate and digestion.

Question 9

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer 9

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that accelerates bodily processes and releases stores of energy needed to meet increased physical demands.

Question 10

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 10

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that regulates body processes such as digestion that replenishes stores of energy.