Chapter 5 - The Peripheral Nervous System Flashcards
Define the Somatic Nervous System
A subdivision of the PNS, it carries sensory information to the CNS and motor information from the CNS.
Define Sensory Neurons
Specialised nerve cells that receive and carry sensory messages.
Define Motor Neurons
Specialised nerve cells that carry messages to skeletal muscles causing them to contract of relax.
Define Interneurons
Perform the important function of making the connection between sensory and motor neurons, which rarely ever connect directly.
What are the main parts of a motor neuron?
Dendrites, Cell Body, Nucleus, Axon, Myelin Sheath, Axon Terminals.
Define the Autonomic Nervous System
The subdivision of the PNS that connects the CNS to the body’s internal organs (such as the heart, stomach and liver) and glands (such as sweat, salivary and adrenal glands), providing feedback to the brain about their activities.
Define the Sympathetic Nervous System
Activates internal muscles, organs and glands to prepare the body for vigorous activity or to deal with a stressful or threatening situation.
Define the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Keeps the systems of the body functioning efficiently. Homeostasis.
What are some physiological changes that occur due to the Sympathetic Nervous System being activated?
Pupils - Dilate
Salivary Glands - Decrease in salivation
Heart - Heart rate accelerates
Bladder - Relaxes
What type of neurons are Sensory Neurons?
Afferent neurons
What type of neurons are Motor Neurons?
Efferent neurons
What does SAME stand for?
Sensory - Afferent
Motor - Efferent
