Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Flashcards
What does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consist of?
The PNS consists of nerves, which are bundles of axons extending throughout the body.
What are the two main systems in the PNS?
The two main systems in the PNS are:
Somatic Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
What does the Somatic Nervous System do?
The Somatic Nervous System controls voluntary movements and conveys sensory information from the body and sensory organs to the brain.
What are the two anatomical groups in the Somatic Nervous System?
The two anatomical groups are:
Cranial Nerves
Spinal Nerves
How many pairs of Cranial Nerves do humans have?
Humans have 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
What is the function of sensory cranial nerves?
Sensory cranial nerves transmit sensory information to the brain. Examples:
Olfactory (I): Smell
Optic (II): Vision
Vestibulocochlear (VIII): Hearing and balance
Which cranial nerves are responsible for motor functions?
Motor cranial nerves control muscles. Examples:
Oculomotor (III): Eye movement
Trochlear (IV): Eye movement
Abducens (VI): Eye movement
Spinal Accessory (XI): Neck muscles
Hypoglossal (XII): Tongue muscles
Which cranial nerves have both sensory and motor functions?
Mixed cranial nerves have both sensory and motor functions. Examples:
Trigeminal (V): Facial sensation and chewing muscles
Facial (VII): Facial muscles and taste
Glossopharyngeal (IX): Taste and throat sensations
Vagus (X): Controls and receives information from visceral organs like the heart, liver, and intestines, involved in functions such as digestion and heart rate
What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) responsible for?
The ANS connects to internal organs (viscera) and controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and sweating.
What is special about the Vagus Nerve?
The Vagus Nerve (X) is known for its long, wandering path, and it plays a key role in regulating various body functions, including heart rate and digestion.
