nervous system Flashcards
what is the function of the nervous system?
to receive stimuli from the external and internal environment
what are the three different nervous systems?
- central nervous system (CNS)
- peripheral nervous system (PNS)
- parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nervous system (ANS)
what does the CNS mainly do?
control intelligence
what does the PNS mainly do?
gives information about the external environment
what does the parasympathetic ANS mainly do?
maintain homeostasis
what does the sympathetic ANS mainly do?
control the body’s “fight or flight”
what are the 3 main neurons?
- sensory neurons
- relay neurons
- motor neurons
what is the function of a sensory neuron?
carries signals from sense organs to the CNS
what is the function of a relay neuron?
carries messages from one part of the CNS to another
what is the function of a motor neuron?
carries signals from the CNS to the muscles and other effector organs
what is a synapse?
the point of contact between neurons
what is a reflex arc?
- the nerve pathway involved in reflex actions
- usually a sensory and motor neuron connected by a synapse
