Peripheral Nervous System Flashcards
What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consist of?
The PNS consists of all the nerves that lie outside the central nervous system (CNS), including cranial and spinal nerves.
True or False: The PNS is responsible for transmitting sensory and motor information to and from the CNS.
True
Fill in the blank: The PNS is divided into the _____ and _____ nervous systems.
somatic, autonomic
What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information.
What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Multiple Choice: Which part of the PNS is responsible for ‘fight or flight’ responses?
Sympathetic nervous system
What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play in the body?
The parasympathetic nervous system promotes ‘rest and digest’ functions.
True or False: The PNS can regenerate after injury.
True
Name one type of nerve found in the PNS.
Cranial nerve or spinal nerve.
What is the function of sensory (afferent) neurons in the PNS?
They carry sensory information from the body to the CNS.
What is the function of motor (efferent) neurons in the PNS?
They transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.
Fill in the blank: The _____ nervous system is responsible for involuntary bodily functions.
autonomic
Multiple Choice: Which cranial nerve is responsible for smell?
Olfactory nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
What is the role of the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve regulates heart rate, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory rate.
True or False: The PNS includes both motor and sensory pathways.
True
What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful situations, while the parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy and maintains normal functions.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a type of glial cell that supports neurons in the PNS.
Schwann cell
What is myelin, and why is it important in the PNS?
Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers, increasing the speed of signal transmission.
Multiple Choice: Which type of neuron connects sensory receptors to the CNS?
Afferent neuron
What is a plexus in the context of the PNS?
A plexus is a network of intersecting nerves.
True or False: The PNS does not play a role in reflex actions.
False
What is the role of the spinal nerves in the PNS?
Spinal nerves transmit signals between the spinal cord and the rest of the body.
Fill in the blank: The PNS helps maintain _____ balance in the body.
homeostatic
What is the primary function of the radial nerve in the PNS?
The radial nerve controls movements of the arm and hand.
