Nervous System Structure

Question 1

Briefly summarise what the Nervous System is

Answer 1

The nervous system is a collection of nerves and neurons that transmit messages throughout the body. It is the bodies electrical system

Question 2

The Nervous System consists of 8 distinct components. What are these 8 parts?
(Hint- think about the flow chart)

Answer 2

1. Central Nervous System (brain & spinal cord)
2. Peripheral Nervous System (cranial & spinal nerves) [breaks into 2a & 2b]
2a. Afferent (Sensory) Division
2b. Efferent (Motor) Division [breaks into 2b1 & 2b2]
2b1- Somatic Nervous System
2b2- Autonomic Nervous System [breaks into i & ii)
i- Sympathetic NS
ii- Parasympathetic NS

Question 3

What is the difference between the Efferent & Afferent Divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Answer 3

**Efferent Divison= **Motor neurons (eg. in the muscles) transmit info from peripheral NS to muscles, glands & organs
Afferent Division= Sensory neurons (eg. in the skin) trans,it snensory infor FROM the receptors to the central NS

Question 4

The Peripheral Nervous System breaks into the Efferent & Afferent Divisions. The Efferent Division then breaks into 2 sections, and then another 2 sub- sections.
**What are these 4 sections? **

Answer 4

Efferent Division of the Parasympathetic Nervous System:
1. Somatic Nervous System (voluntary motor/muscular movements)
2. Autonomic Nervous System (involuntary actions of glands & smooth muscles- eg. heart beat, pupil dilation)
2a. Sympathetic NS (Fight or Flight- activation of body systems)
2b. Parasympathetic NS (Rest, Digest & Relax- activation of housekeeping functions, conservation of energy)