The nervous system - Peripheral nervous system

Question 1

What is the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 1

it is a division of the nervous system
it is outside the brain and the spinal cord
its role is to transmit information from the environment to the central nervous system and from the CNS to other parts of the body
there are two main divisions of the nervous system

Question 2

what is the somatic nervous system?

Answer 2

Maintains communication between the CNS and the outside world. The somatic nervous system is made up of sensory receptors that carry information to the spinal cord and brain, and motor pathways that allow movement. (controls voluntary movements i.e walking and reflex actions)

Question 3

What is the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 3

regulates involuntary physiological processes such as heart rate, breathing and digestion. It is also involved in the acute stress response where it works with the endocrine system to prepare the body for the flight or fight response. It can be further subdivided into the sympathetic and the parasympathetic branch.

Question 4

What is the function of the sympathetic branch?

Answer 4

it is a division of the ANS
it is involved in responses that help us deal with emergencies (the flight or fight response)
it consists of a series of connections from the spinal cord to the major internal organs
it becomes more active when we are doing anything which requires the expenditure of energy
i.e heart racing, pupils dilate, breathing increases

Question 5

What is the parasympathetic branch?

Answer 5

it is a division of the ANS
it consists of a series of connections between the brain and the internal organs
it is active most of the time controlling homeostatic functions and ensuring that we conserve energy
it becomes less active when the SANS becomes more active
the PNS slows down heart rate and helps an individual relax after emergencies