Chapter 11 - The Nervous System Flashcards
What is the central nervous system consist of and what does it do ?
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, it integrates and processes information sent by nerves
What is a Neuron ?
Neurons are the basic structural and functional units of the nervous system.
They are specialized to respond to physical and chemical stimuli, to conduct electrochemical that regulate various body processes.
What does the peripheral nervous system include and what is it’s function ?
The PNS includes nerves that carry sensory messages to the CNS and nerves that send information from the CNS to the muscles or glands
What does the somatic NS consist of and what is it’s function?
The somatic system consists of sensory receptors in the head and extremities neves that carry sensory information to the CNS, and nerves that carry instructions from the CNS to the skeletal muscles . The somatic system is under conscious control, voluntary .
What does the automatic NS do?
The automatic system controls glandular secretions and the functioning of the smooth and cardiac muscles.
There are 2 parts:
Sympathetic and parasympathetic, these work in opposition with eachother to regulate involuntary processes of the body
The automated
The automatic sympathetic NS is activated when the body is in a state of stress. (Fight or flight)
The parasympathetic NS is activated when relaxed and trying to maintain homeostasis .
What are the 2 divisions of the automatic NS ? What is the difference, and what are some of the things the do to the body ?
Parasympathetic : activated when trying to bring the body back to homeostasis when stressed, so it relaxes the body. Constricts pupils , stimulates salivation, slows heart, increased digestion activity
Sympathetic : activated when stressed
Dilates pupils, speeds heart, decreased digestion activity
