NERVOUS SYSTEM Flashcards
basic unit of nervous systems
nerve cells or neurons
relay messages from effector organs to NS and vice versa
nerve cells or neurons
gap between two neurons; where nerve impulses are transmitted from one nerve cell to another
Synapse
classification of neurons
- afferent (sensory) neurons
- efferent (motor) neurons
- interneurons
transmit nerve impulses from effector organ to spinal cord or brain
afferent (sensory) neurons
transmit nerve impulses away from the brain or spinal cord or towards muscles or glands
efferent (motor) neurons
conduct impulses from afferent neuron within the CNS
interneurons
divisions of NS
- central NS
* peripheral NS
main processing unit of the body; incudes brain (enclosed by skull) and spinal cord ( encloses by vertebral column)
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Composed of nerves emerging from the CNS
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DIVISIONS OF PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Somatic
2. Autonomic/visceral
2 SUBDIVISION OF AUTONOMIC NS
- Parasymphatetic division
2. Symphatetic division
Somatic
supplies and receives fibers (neurons) to and from skin, skeletal muscles, joints and tendons;
quick adjustments of muscles
autonomic/visceral
supplies and receives fibers (neurons) to and from smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands;
made up of visceral motor fibers
parasymphatetic division
important for control of ‘normal’ body funtions
e.g: normal operation of digestive system
