Introduction to the nervous system Flashcards
A.1.1.1 In the OneNote
What makes up the Central Nervous System (CNS)
Brain and spinal cord
What does the brain do?
Processes information, controls voluntary actions (movement) and involuntary actions (heartbeat)
What does the spinal cord do?
Is a pathway for sensory and motor signals between the brain and rest of body.
What makes up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Somatic N.S. and Autonomic N.S.
What does the Somatic N.S. do?
Controls VOLUNTARY movements (e.g. skeletal muscles)
What does the Autonomic N.S. do?
Regulates INVOLUNTARY functions (e.g. heart rate/digestion)
What are the two divisions of the nervous system?
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
What makes up the Autonomic N.S. (ANS)
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
What does the Sympathetic N.S. do? (SNS)
Activates during excersize or stress, increases heart rate and dilates airways.
What does the Parasympathetic N.S. do? (PNS)
Dominates during rest, slows down heart rate and promotes digestion to conserve energy.
What are the three functions of the Autonomic N.S. (ANS)
Cardiac, Breathing/Ventilation, Temperature control
What is the cardiac function in the ANS
As intensity increases, heart rate and contractility increase to meet demand for oxygen
What is the breathing/ventilation function in the ANS
As intensity increases, respiratory rate increases to facilitate oxygen intake during excersize.
What is the function of temperature control in the ANS
Regulates heat production and sweating to maintain optimal body temperature
What are the three receptors in the nervous system?
Proprioceptors, Baroreceptors, Chemoreceptors
