Divisions of the Nervous System

Question 0

Physiological Divisions

Answer 0

1) The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

2) The Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Question 1

Anatomical Divisions

Answer 1

1) The Central Nervous System (CNS)

2) The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Question 2

Central Nervous System

Answer 2

Consists of the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, sub-cortical structures, and brainstem) and the spinal cord.

Question 3

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 3

Consists of the 31 pairs of spinal nerves, 12 pairs of cranial nerves, and sensory receptors.

Question 4

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Answer 4

Involved with involuntary life processes, such as heart function, digestive function, and glandular secretions. Also controls the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Question 5

Sympathetic System (Part of ANS)

Answer 5

Uses energy to a frightening event (vasoconstriction, increase in blood pressure, dilation of pupils, cardiac acceleration, and goosebumps).

Question 6

Parasympathetic System (Part of ANS)

Answer 6

Works to conserve energy following a frightening event or situation (Such as a reaction from the Sympathetic System).

Question 7

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Answer 7

1) Controls voluntary bodily functions through our skeletal or somatic muscles.
A) The sensory component of the SNS monitors information
pertaining to the movement and environment of the
skeletal muscles.
B) The motor component of the SNS may be subdivided into
the pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems.

Question 8

Pyramidal System

Answer 8

1) Facilitates the motor movement of muscles.
2) It is a direct motor activation pathway mainly responsible for the initiation of voluntary motor acts.
3) It arises from the pyramidal cells of the motor strip of the cerebral cortex.

Question 9

Extrapyramidal System

Answer 9

1) Regulates muscle posture and tone.
2) Arises from the premotor area of the frontal lobe.
3) Regulates muscles’ tone and coordination.
4) The speech act requires tremendous fine motor control, which is also regulated by the extrapyramidal system.
5) Habitual and automatic activities of the body such as posture and non-volitional reactions are controlled by this system.
6) Damage to this system will result in involuntary movement disorders.