Biopsychology(nervous system - Peripheral nervous system) Flashcards
Peripheral nervous system -
comprises of nerve cells leading to and from the CNS, connects with the body and the outside world. These neurons exist outside the brain and spinal cord.
It is divided into the somatic and Autonomic nervous systems.
What neurone is only present in the CNS?
Relay neurone
What neurones are present in both the PNS and CNS?
Motor and sensory neurone
Somatic nervous system (division of the peripheral nervous system) -
usually conscious, controls the voluntary movements of skeletal muscles (limbs).
Responsible for carrying sensory information to and from the CNS.
Sensory neurons relay information to the CNS and motor neurons relay information to other parts of the body.
Autonomic nervous system (division of the peripheral nervous system) -
Usually unconscious, involves involuntary actions of non-skeletal muscles and internal body systems (heartbeat). This nervous system is further divided into two nervous systems. The sympathetic and the parasympathetic.
Sympathetic nervous system (division of the autonomic nervous system) -
Engages in engaging and alarming situations that produces arousal and energy preparing the body for rapid action.
Parasympathetic nervous system (division of the autonomic nervous system) -
Is involved in less engaging situations that reduce arousal and therefore the heartrate, it conserves energy and allows the body to relax. Once a threat has passed.
Sympathetic NS involves a change of - (internal characteristics)
- Increased heartrate
- Reduced stomach activity
- Pupils dilate (bigger)
- Glucose is released to the bloodstream
- Energy is used for fight or flight response
Parasympathetic NS involves a change of - (internal characteristics)
- Decreased heartrate
- Increased stomach activity
- Pupil contract (smaller)
- Glucose is stored
- Energy is conserved and stored in the body.
- returns the body to a state of normality (rest and digest)
