The Peripheral Nervous System

Question 1

What is the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 1

• carry information from the SENSORS to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
• THEN, sends information from the CNS to MUSCLES AND GLANDS (effectors)

Question 2

What are motor neurons?

Answer 2

• transmit signals from the spinal cord to skeletal and smooth muscles (in your stomach)

Question 3

What are sensory neurons?

Answer 3

• take signals from sensory organs and transmit them to CNS (brain and spinal cord)

Question 4

What is the somatic nervous system?

Answer 4

• part of the peripheral nervous system
• provides VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT of SKELETAL MUSCLES

Question 5

What is the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 5

• part of the peripheral nervous system
• takes on INVOLUNTARY FUNCTIONS involving secreations from glands, movement of smooth muscle and cardiac muscle

Question 6

Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system:

Answer 6

Sympathetic:
• fight or flight

Parasympathetic:
• rest and digest