nervous system Flashcards
the nervous system has two major divisions, what are they?
central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
what do the two nervous system divisions control?
sensory input, integration, and motor output
what does the central nervous system consist of and its basic function?
the brain and spinal cord, and integrates and processes information sent by nerves
what does the peripheral nervous system consist of and its basic function?
nerves that carry sensory messages to the CNS, and nerves that send messages from the CNS to muscles and glands
what are the two divisions of the PNS?
sensory pathways and motor pathways
what is the somatic system? (PNS)
controls the skeletal muscle, bone, skin
what is the difference between sensory and motor pathways? (PNS)
sensory nerves carry signals to your brain to help you touch, taste, smell and see. motor nerves carry signals to your muscles or glands to help you move and function.
what is the autonomic system? (PNS)
controls the internal organs of the body, regulating the involuntary processes of the body (i.e. heartbeat, peristalsis.
the autonomic system is divided into two parts, what are they?
sympathetic - excites
parasympathetic - calms
in the nervous system, there are two types of cells, what are they?
neurons, and cells that support those neurons called gilal cells
what are the 4 functions of gilal cells (supporting cells)
they remove waste, nourish the neuron, fight infection, and make mylen
what are the three types of neurons?
sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons
what is the function of sensory neurons?
relates information from the environment to the CNS, connect to receptors
what is the function of interneurons?
association neurons - linking neurons, found in the brain and spinal cord, integrate information, non myelinated
unmyelinated vs myelinated
neurons with myelinated axons transmit action potentials faster than neurons with non-myelinated axons.
