Nervous System Flashcards
(23 cards)
What two structures make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Brain and spinal cord
What two main categories make up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Cranial nerves and peripheral nerves
What is the main role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Controls digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, and urination
What is the primary function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
“Rest and digest” responses — slows heart rate, aids in digestion and calming the body
What is the primary function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?
“Fight or flight” responses — increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles
What does the Somatic Nervous System control?
Skin, muscles, bones, and joints (voluntary movements)
What are neurons?
Nerve cells and the functional units of the nervous system
What are the three main parts of a neuron?
Cell body, axon, and dendrite
What direction do dendrites carry nerve impulses?
Toward the cell body
What direction do axons carry nerve impulses?
Away from the cell body
What is the role of sensory (afferent) neurons?
Transmit impulses toward the Central Nervous System (CNS)
What is the role of motor (efferent) neurons?
Transmit impulses away from the CNS toward effector organs (muscles, glands, digestive organs)
What is a memory tip to remember the direction of efferent neurons?
Efferent = Effect (causing an action like movement)
What are the four major parts of the brain?
Cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, brainstem
What is the main function of the cerebrum?
Sensory interpretation, movement, thinking, and personality
What is the cerebellum responsible for?
Muscular coordination
What structures are found in the diencephalon?
Thalamus and hypothalamus
What is the function of the thalamus?
Routes incoming sensory information to the cerebrum
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Monitors body conditions, controls the autonomic nervous system, and interacts with the endocrine system
What vital functions does the brainstem control?
Respiration and heart rate
How do the nervous and endocrine systems interact?
They work hand-in-hand to regulate body functions like homeostasis and responses to stimuli
Why does it make sense to separate the Autonomic and Somatic Nervous Systems based on function?
Because the Somatic Nervous System controls voluntary, conscious actions (like moving muscles), while the Autonomic Nervous System controls involuntary, automatic functions (like heartbeat and digestion).
How is the nervous system organized from broadest to most specific parts?
Nervous System → Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS); PNS → Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Somatic Nervous System; ANS → Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System
