Nervous System Flashcards
Nervous System
“Driving force,” without it, we could not function. Made up of billions of nerve cells that work together to organize function and movement of the body.
Primary function is to maintain homeostasis.
3 Types of Neurons
1) Sensory neurons
2) Interneurons
3) Motor neurons
Sensory neurons
Receive information from sensory receptors throughout the body
Interneurons
Transfer and interpret the messages received by the sensory neurons
Motor neurons
Send these messages to appropriate muscles and glands in order for them to carry out their primary functions
Somatic Nervous System
Innervates our skeletal muscles and reflexes, voluntary
Autonomic Nervous System’s counterpart
Autonomic Nervous System
Controls visceral smooth and cardiac muscle; involuntary. Contains two subsections: sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
Somatic Nervous System’s counterpart
Sympathetic system
Part of Autonomic System
Function: “fight or flight”
Increases energy expenditure and prepares the body for increased activity when needed
Parasympathetic system
Part of Autonomic System
Function: “rest and digest”
Helps to store energy
Central Nervous System
Location: Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System
Location: Sensory and motor neurons
