THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Flashcards
Central nervous system
The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord and is therefore ‘central’ to the
body.
Brain
a complex organ contained within the skull that coordinates mental
processes and behaviour, and regulates bodily activity
Spinal cord
a cable of nerve tissue that extends
from the brain, connecting it to the peripheral nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
The peripheral nervous system comprises all the neurons outside of the brain and spinal cord.connecting the central nervous system with
your external world.
Somatic nervous system
a division of the peripheral
nervous system that
transmits neural messages
related to voluntary motor
movement
Skeletal muscles
muscles connected to the skeleton
that carry out voluntary
motor movements
the 2 subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system
sympathetic and parasympathetic
sympathetic
nervous system that activates
visceral muscles, organs, and glands, preparing the body to respond to a
threat or stressor
parasympathetic
nervous system that maintains the optimal and balanced functioning
of visceral muscles, organs, and glands
neurons
a nerve cell that receives and transmits
neural information
motor neurons
neurons that transmit neural messages
about motor movement from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system (efferent)
Sensory neurons
neurons that transmit neural messages
about bodily sensations from the peripheral nervous system to the
central nervous system (afferent)
Interneurons
neurons that transfer neural
messages between sensory neurons and motor neurons
