Nervous systems Flashcards
What is the function of the Brain?
Responsible for virtually everything we think, feel and do.
What is the function of the Spinal Cord?
Connects brain and PNS; initiates spinal reflexes.
What is the function of the Somatic Nervous System?
Carries messages from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS, and motor messages from the CNS to skeletal muscles.
What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Connects CNS to internal organs and glands; self-regulating.
What is the function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?
Prepares body for action.
What is the function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Calms body after action.
What is the function of the Enteric Nervous System?
Dedicated to the functioning of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract.
What is the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Carries messages to and from the PNS.
What is the function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Carries messages to and from the CNS.
What are the 2 major functions of the spinal cord?
- Receive sensory information from the body (via the PNS) and send these messages to the brain for processing.
- Receive motor information from the brain and sent it to relevant parts of the body (via the PNS) to control muscles, glands and internal organs so that appropriate actions can be taken.
Define Neural Pathway.
Comprises one or more circuits of interconnected neurons that form a communication network.
Define Conscious Response.
A reaction that involves awareness.
Define Unconscious Response.
A reaction that does not involve awareness.
Define Spinal Reflex.
An unconscious, automatic response controlled solely by neural circuits in the spinal cord.
Define Neural Synapse.
The site where communications typically occurs between adjacent neurons.