Physiological Psychology: Central and Peripheral Nervous System Flashcards
3 Kinds of Nerve Cells
- Sensory Neurons
- Motor Neurons
- Interneurons
Sensory Neurons
Transmit sensory information from receptors to the spinal cord and brain
Motor Neurons
Transmit motor information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles.
Interneurons
Located predominantly in the brain and spinal cord and are linked to reflexive behaviors.
Reflex Arcs
The neural circuit that controls the reflexive behaviors.
Reflexes
Behaviors that are crucial for survival
Central Nervous System
The brain and the spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System
The nerve tissue and fibers outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Parts of the Peripheral Nervous System
- Somatic Nervous System
2. Autonomous Nervous System
Somatic Nervous System
Consists of the sensory and motor neurons distributed under the skin and muscles.
Afferent Fibers
The fibers that transmit sensory neuron information (ascend to the brain)
Efferent Fibers
The fibers that transmit motor neuron information (exit the brain)
Autonomous Nervous System
The system that manages the involuntary functions associated with internal organs and glands.
Subdivisions of Autonomous Nervous System
- Sympathetic Nervous System
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Focuses on Resting and Digesting. It reduces heart and respiration rates like sleep and manages digestion
