Nervous System Flashcards
Central Nervous System
Composed of the brain and spinal cord
Brain
The part that makes sense of the information received from the senses, makes decisions, and sends commands out to the muscles and the rest of the body
Spinal Cord
A long bundle of neurons that serves two vital functions for the nervous system
- Carry messages up to brain
- Send out very fast life saving reflexes
Afferent (sensory) neurons
Carry messages from the senses to the spinal cord
Efferent (motor) neurons
Carry messages from the spinal cord to the muscles and glands
Interneurons
Connect afferent neurons to the efferent neurons
Neuroplasticity
The ability to constantly change both the structure and function of many of the cells in the brain in response to experience and trauma
Peripheral Nervous System
Is made up of the neurons that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord
Somatic Nervous System
Consists of nerves that control the voluntary muscles
Sensory Pathway
Comprises all the nerves carrying messages from the senses to the central nervous system
Motor Pathway
All the nerves carrying messages from the central nervous system to the voluntary or skeletal muscles of the body
Autonomic Nervous System
Consists of nerves that control the involuntary muscles, organs, and glands
Sympathetic Division
Part of the autonomic nervous system, located in the middle of the spinal column, control the flight or fight system
Parasympathetic Division
Eat, drink, rest system, returns body to normal after stress, and controls day to day functions
