Divisions of the nervous system Flashcards
Nervous system
Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system
Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions
Peripheral nervous system
Sends information to the central nervous system from the outside world as well as transmitting messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
Somatic nervous system
Transmits information directly from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. Receives information from the CNS that directs muscles to act. Deals with voluntary movements
Autonomic nervous system
Transmits information to and from bodily organs. System operates involuntarily. Divided into the (para)sympathetic nervous systems
Spinal cord
Receives and passes messages to and from the brain and connects to nerves in the peripheral nervous system.
Brain
Concerned with actions and reactions of the body to information which is received through the senses and with coordinating other functions of the body. Involved in complex functions like thinking, memory and attention.
