Nervous system Flashcards
Nervous System Function
- a network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body
- controls every function in the body.
Central nervous system components (2)
- brain
- spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system components
- nerves that control the peripheral of the body
- organs
Benefits of massage on nervous system (4)
- the relaxation response from massage helps to reduce strain on the nervous system.
- can help reduce pain by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
- reduces fascial and muscular tension and reduction of joint stiffness
- can help reduce the amount of time a body spends in “sympathetic overdrive”
First 2 branches of the nervous system are
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
2 branches of the Peripheral nervous system are
- sensory nervous system
- motor nervous system
2 branches of the motor nervous system are
- autonomic nervous system (cardiac, smooth muscle)
- somatic nervous system (skeletal muscle)
2 branches of the autonomic nervous system are
- sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight)
- parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest)
3 sections of the brain
Brain Stem - composed of the midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata
Cerebrum - composed of the cerebral hemispheres, basal nuclei, hypothalamus and thalamus
Cerebellum
Brain stem function
comprises the centers that control breathing, heart rate, eye movement and many other critical functions.
Cerebrum function
- is the center of conscious decision making
- is the region of the brain responsible for perception, emotion, voluntary movement and most learning.
Cerebellum function
Involved in movement, motor control, and balance.
Spinal cord function (2)
- It is the point of exit for nerves on their way out to innervate muscles and the body
- It is the point of entry for sensory fibers returning from the body’s sensory organs.
All the nerves outside the central nervous system are collectively called the
peripheral nervous system
MENINGES are
Specialized tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord
CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID (CSF)
surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
There are two systems of nerves that serve the body
- Cranial nerves
- spinal nerves
Cranial nerves origin-
originate from the brain (in comparison to spinal cord) inside the cranium (head).
How many pairs of cranial nerves
12
Vagas nerve function
travels to the body serving as a parasympathetic branch to organs in the cervical, thoracic and abdominal area
Spinal nerves origin
arise from the spinal cord, and supply the rest of the body.
Spinal nerves function
Through the spinal nerves the CNS receives information and controls the actions of the trunk and limbs.
Number of cervical spinal nerve pairs
8
Number of thoracic spinal nerve pairs
12
