The Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System Flashcards
Describe the peripheral nervous system.
The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves or axons and ganglia that relay information between the brain and the body.
What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system helps the brain stay in touch with the physical environment and allows the body to respond to it.
Define ganglia in the context of the peripheral nervous system.
Ganglia are clusters of cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system that relay information between the brain and the body.
What are the two subsections of the peripheral nervous system?
The two subsections are the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
What is the role of the somatic nervous system?
The somatic nervous system is responsible for bringing information to and from the tissues of the body through the axons entering and leaving the spinal cord. This system is under voluntary control, meaning you’re aware of the sensations caused by these nerves.
How does the peripheral nervous system differ from the central nervous system in terms of protection?
Unlike the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system is not protected by bone and is more susceptible to damage. It is also not protected by the blood-brain barrier.
Describe the vulnerability of the peripheral nervous system to infection and toxins.
The peripheral nervous system, like the rest of the body, is more open to infection and toxins since it is not protected by the blood-brain barrier.
Describe the somatic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system consists of nerves that bring motor commands to the muscles of the head and neck and bring sensory input from those regions. It is under voluntary control and allows conscious sensations and movement of these body parts.
What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary responses and regulates the functions of internal organs, smooth muscles, and glands.
Define the term ‘autonomia’.
‘Autonomia’ is a Greek word meaning ‘independence’, which is fitting as the autonomic nervous system can function without conscious effort.
How does the autonomic nervous system differ from the somatic nervous system?
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary responses, while the somatic nervous system is under voluntary control. Additionally, the autonomic nervous system regulates internal organs, smooth muscles, and glands, whereas the somatic nervous system focuses on the head, neck, and sensory input.
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.
Describe the sympathetic nervous.
The sympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response.
What is the role of the adrenal glands in the sympathetic nervous system?
The adrenal glands produce the stress response and prepare the body to respond to a stressor.
How does the sympathetic nervous system prepare the body for a stressor?
It increases heart rate and blood pressure, breathing rate, and sweat production, while decreasing saliva and tear production.
Define ganglia in the context of the sympathetic nervous system.
Ganglia are specialized chain-like structures located next to the spine that relay information between neurons in the sympathetic division.
What are the targets of sympathetic neurons?
The targets include the heart, lungs, digestive system, secretory glands, and eyes.
Describe the function of the sympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing the organism to respond to threats and escape danger.
What are the potential consequences of long-term activation of the sympathetic nervous system?
Long-term activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to chronic stress and damage to organs and other systems of the body.
Define the parasympathetic nervous system.
The parasympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for maintaining homeostasis and promoting rest and digestion.
How does the parasympathetic nervous system differ from the sympathetic nervous system in terms of structure?
The parasympathetic nervous system has neurons originating from the brainstem and sacral spinal cord, and its ganglia are spread throughout the body, close to the target organs.
What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
The main function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to focus on digesting food, growth and cell division, immune responses, energy storage, and maintaining homeostasis.
Describe the role of the parasympathetic nervous system.
The role of the parasympathetic nervous system is to keep each of the systems of the body in balance.
What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heartbeat?
The parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heartbeat, allowing the organism to relax.
