Biological Bases: PNS

Question 1

PNS Define

Answer 1

Consists of all nerves outside of the CNS, and connects the CNA to limbs and organs, coordinating action and responses by sending signals from one part of the body to another.

Question 2

Somatic NS

Answer 2

• Uses skeletal muscles and contains both sensory and motor neurons, carrying motor and sensory information to and from the CNS
• It is under conscious control and is responsible for nearly all voluntary muscle movements (motor), as well as processing sensory information

Question 3

Autonomic

Answer 3

• Regulates involuntary and unconscious actions using smooth muscles and glands
• Contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which act without conscious effort and have similar nerve pathways, but generally have opposite effects on target tissues

Question 4

Sympathetic Division

Answer 4

• Increase in arousal or readiness for the body to act or react to a situation (initiate fight or flight response)
• Functions not essential to survival shut down

Question 5

Parasympathetic Division

Answer 5

• Conservation and maintenance of energy, restoring the body’s functions to normal levels and calming the NS
• Counterbalances the sympathetic NS