2A the nervous system Flashcards
central nervous system
The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. It receives sensory information from the peripheral nervous system and sends motor information to the peripheral nervous system.
brain
The brain regulates and guides all other parts of the nervous system.
spinal cord
The spinal cord is a cable-like column of nerve fibres that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back and is encased by a series of bones called vertebrae.
peripheral nervous system
a major division of the nervous system comprising every neuron in the body outside the central nervous system
somatic nervous system
a division of the peripheral nervous system that transmits neural messages related to voluntary motor movement
skeletal muscles
muscles connected to the skeleton that carry out voluntary motor movements
autonomic nervous system
a division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates visceral muscles, organs, and glands, and transmits neural messages to the central nervous system about their activity
muscle, organs and glands
muscles, organs, and glands not connected to the skeleton that are predominantly self-regulating and do not require conscious control
sympathetic nervous system
a division of the autonomic nervous system that activates visceral muscles, organs, and glands, preparing the body to respond to a threat or stressor
parasympathetic nervous system
a division of the autonomic nervous system that maintains the optimal and balanced functioning of visceral muscles, organs, and glands
neuron
Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. There are over 200 different types of neurons, and all look different dependent on their function, for example, pain or soft touch.
motor neurons
Transmits motor information from your brain to your body.
sensory neurons
Transmits sensory information from your body to your brain.
interneurons
Transmits information between sensory and motor neurons.
