PNS & Divisons of the PNS Flashcards
Define the PNS (Peripheral)
A major division of the Nervous system that carries neural impulses to and from the CNS
What neurons make up the PNS?
The PNS comprises of every neuron in the body outside of the CNS
- Sensory/afferent neuron
- Motor/Efferent neuron
- Interneurons
Define the Somatic Nervous system
A smaller division of the Peripheral nervous system, transmits neural impulses related to voluntary motor movement to skeletal muscles.
What does the SNS (Somatic) compromise of?
Afferent neural pathways/tracts (Made up of sensory neurons, so that sensory neural impulses can travel)
Efferent neural pathway/tracts (Made up of motor neurons, so that motor neural impulses can travel)
Define skeletal muscles
Muscles connected to the skeleton that carry out voluntary motor movement
Define the Autonomic Nervous system
A smaller division of the Peripheral nervous system, regulates visceral muscles, organs and glands and transmits neural impulses to the CNS about the activity; controls involuntary activities
Are visceral muscles, organs and gland muscles connected to the skeleton?
No, because they are predominantly self-regulated and involuntary
Define the sympathetic branch/nervous system
A division/branch off of the Automatic nervous system, it controls arousal & the fight, flight and freeze response.
Name or explain 3 different sympathetic (physiological) responses
ENABLES HIGHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
- Heart rate increases to increase blood flow
- Breathing rate increased, lung airways expand
CONSERVES ENERGY/ENERGISES THE BODY
- Adrenal glands secrete stress hormones (Adrenaline)
- Bladder relaxes and redirects energy to other bodily processes
- Body releases more glucose
OTHER
- Pupils dilate (larger) to allow more light in for improved vision
- Sweat glands are activated to increase perspiration (sweaty boyy)
Define the parasympathetic branch/nervous system
A division/branch off of the Automatic nervous system, it calms the body and keeps stable levels of homeostasis; maintains a optimal and balanced functioning of visceral muscles, organs and glands (often can be connected to sympathetic ns fight, flight, freeze)
Name or explain 3 different parasympathetic (Physiological) responses
REGULATES/HOMEOSTASIS
- Heart beat steadies and regulates a rate that supports optimal and balanced functioning
- Lung airways constricts and enables stable breathing
- Pupils constrict according to environment
- Adrenal glands do not secrete stress hormones
- Sweat glands are regulated
- Digestion occurs normally
- Bladder constricts and urination is controlled
- Body releases less glucose to allow body to rest
Define sensory (Afferent) neurons
Neurons that transmit neural impulses about bodily sensations from the PNS to the CNS
Define motor (Efferent) neurons
Neurons that transmit neural impulses about motor movement from the CNS to the PNS (SNS)
