Nervous System Flashcards
Motor Output
The signals/commands sent from the brain and nervous system to the muscles and glands
Sensory Input
Information that the body receives from the environment through ones senses
Organization of the Nervous System
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The main control center of the body. Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The communication system of the body. Consists of nerves that extend from the CNS to the rest of the body
Nervous System Terminology
Afferent, efferent, somatic, and visceral
Afferent
Carrying toward. For example how afferent nerves carry signals from the PNS to the CNS
Efferent
Carrying away. For example how efferent nerves carry signals from the CNS to the PNS
Somatic
Structures that you have conscious awareness/control of. Such as the skin, joints, and muscles
Visceral
Structures that you don’t have conscious awareness/control of. Such as organs and glands
Neurons
Nerve cells that send messages all over the body to allow you to do everything
Key Features: A cell body, axon, and dendrites
Glial Cells
A type of cell that provides support to neurons
Key Features: Schwann cells and satellite cells
Axon Myelination
When certain cells in the nervous system form an insulating cover around axons of neurons in the CNS and PNS
Somatic Nervous System
The voluntary control of the body’s movements with the use of skeletal muscles. Such as typing, walking, and playing piano
Autonomic Nervous System
The involuntary control of the body. Such as digestion and hearbeat
