nervous system basics Flashcards
what are the three basic functions of the nervous system
sensory
intergrative
motor
what does the sensory function involve
afferent nerves detect stimuli both inside and outside the body
what does the integrative function involve
sens input is converted into electrical sugnals called impulses which are transmitted to teh brain, here the signals create sensations, produce thoughts or add to memory
what does the motor function involve
based on sens input and integration the nervous system responds by sending signals to the muscles to contract via efferent nerves
what is the CNS made of
brain and spinl cord
what is the peripheral nervous system divided into
autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system
what is the autonomic nervous system responsible for
automatic regulation of involuntary processes - glands, organs, vessels, pupil dialation, BP and digestion
what is the function of the somatic nervous system
carries sens info and controls movement of the skeletal muscles
what is the somatic nervous system divided into
motor and sensory system
what is the autonomic nervous system divided into
sympathetic and parasympathetic system
what is the role of the parasympathetic system
maintains body functions under ordinary conditions
what is the role of the sympathetic system
prepared the to react and expend energy in times of stress
what structures make up the PNS
cranial nerves, spinal nerves and their roots and branches, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions
how are neurons classified on structure
based on the number of processes that extend out from the cell body - miltipolar, bipolar or unipolar
how are neurons classified on function
according to the direction in which the signals travel - motor neurons, sensory neurons and interneurons
