Divisions of the Nervous System

Question 1

Central nervous system

Answer 1

part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord and performs the primary decision-making and information processing functions of the nervous system

Question 2

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 2

part of the nervous system that consists of all nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord, which sends signals to other parts of the body

Question 3

Afferent division

Answer 3

part of the nervous system that carries signals from various receptors within and around the body

Question 4

Efferent division

Answer 4

part of the nervous system that carries signals from the central nervous system to gland and muscle cells that carry out the body’s responses

Question 5

Somatic nervous system

Answer 5

part of the peripheral nervous system that includes both sensory and motor components related to voluntary control of the body’s skeletal muscles and external sensory inputs from the skin, muscles, bones, and joints

Question 6

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 6

visceral motor division of the peripheral nervous system that carries signals to glands, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle, operating at an unconscious level without voluntary control

Question 7

Sympathetic division

Answer 7

subdivision of the Autonomic Nervous System that tends to arouse the body for action, characterized by physiological changes that prepare an organism to respond to stress or emergency situations

Question 8

Parasympathetic division

Answer 8

subdivision of the Autonomic Nervous System that tends to have a calming effect, promoting “rest and digest” functions that help the body conserve and restore energy