Organization Of The Nervous System

Question 1

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Answer 1

Components: Brain and spinal cord
Function: The CNS processes and integrates information, and it is the control center for the body. It interprets sensory input, makes decisions, and sends motor commands.

Question 2

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 2

Components: Nerves and ganglia (clusters of nerve cells outside the CNS)
Function: The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body, including muscles, glands, and sensory receptors. It carries sensory information to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Question 3

Sensory (Afferent) Division

Answer 3

Function: Carries sensory information from sensory receptors to the CNS.
Example: Sensory neurons that detect light, heat, sound, or pressure.
Components: Sensory neurons, receptors.

Question 4

Motor (Efferent) Division

Answer 4

Function: Carries motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands (effectors).
Example: Motor neurons that tell muscles to contract.

Question 5

Somatic Nervous System:

Answer 5

Controls voluntary movements (skeletal muscles).

Question 6

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 6

(ANS): Controls involuntary functions (smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands).

Question 7

Sympathetic Division:

Answer 7

Prepares the body for “fight or flight” (stress response).

Question 8

Parasympathetic Division

Answer 8

Controls “rest and digest” functions (calming the body down).