AP Psychology 1.2: Overview of the Nervous System Flashcards
(17 cards)
What does CNS stand for?
Central Nervous System
What are the main components of the central nervous system?
Brain and spinal cord
What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
Connects the CNS to all of the body’s organs and muscles
What are the two types of nerves used by the nervous system?
- Afferent neurons (sensory neurons)
- Efferent neurons (motor neurons)
What do afferent neurons do?
Send signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system
What do efferent neurons do?
Send signals from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system
Fill in the blank: Afferent neurons ______ the brain while efferent neurons ______ the brain.
[approach], [exit]
What is the somatic nervous system also known as?
Skeletal nervous system
What does the somatic nervous system control?
Conscious and voluntary movements, including five senses and skeletal muscle movements
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
Controls involuntary activities
List two examples of involuntary activities controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
- Heartbeat
- Digestion
What happens during the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
Mobilizes the body and prepares it for action
What does the parasympathetic division do?
Relaxes the body and slows the heart rate
What is the fight or flight response associated with?
Sympathetic division
What does ‘rest and digest’ refer to?
The parasympathetic division
True or False: The autonomic nervous system is only responsible for voluntary actions.
False
Fill in the blank: To remember the parasympathetic system, think of a ______.
[parachute]
