Module 5 (Nervous System) Flashcards
Role of the nervous system
The body’s control and communication system
Controls both voluntary and involuntary processes
Functions of the NS
Sensory input
Integration
Motor output
What is sensory input
Allows us to gather vital sensory information about our external (touch, temp, sound) and internal (distension of the urinary bladder) environment
What is integration
Incorporates multiple simultaneous signals in order to create a complete picture of the environment
Example of integration
The brain is able to integrate different sound signals from each ear to determine the location of a sounds source
Where does integration occur
In the brain or spinal cord
What is motor output
Once sensory input has been integrated, the NS functions to produce and appropriate response by sending motor output signals through motor nerves
Where do motor nerves go
They communicate signals from the brain and spinal cord to the skeletal, cardiac, or smooth muscles
What do motor nerves cause muscles to do
Contract or relax
What are the 2 divisions of the NS
Central NS
Peripheral NS
CNS
Made up of brain and spinal cord
Referred to as the control centre of body
PNS
Composed of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
Includes cranial nerves, spinal nerves, autonomic nervous system, and the special sense organs
Subdivisions of the CNS
Brain and spinal cord
Where all signals come to and from, are integrated, and where info can be stored
Subdivisions of the PNS
Motor (efferent) and Sensory (afferent)
Autonomic and Somatic
Parasympathetic and Sympathetic
Sensory (afferent) division
Relays info to CNS via sensory neurons
Senses sight, smell, touch, and pain
Motor (efferent) division
Relays info from CNS to target cells
Response that is elicited
Signals being sent from the CNS to target cells can be voluntary or involuntary
The motor (efferent) division can be further divided into what
Somatic NS and Autonomic NS
Somatic NS
Controls voluntary movement
Autonomic NS
Controls involuntary movement
Subdivisions of the autonomic NS
Sympathetic and parasympathetic
Sympathetic divison
Fight or flight
During exercise, very active
Parasympathetic divison
Rest and digest
During exercise, much less active
