The brain and spinal cord; the command center of the nervous system.
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What is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
The brain and spinal cord; the command center of the nervous system.
What is the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
All the nerves outside the CNS; the messengers relaying signals between the body and brain.
What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Part of the PNS that regulates involuntary, unconscious processes essential for survival.
What is the Somatic Nervous System (SNS)?
Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and behaviors under conscious control.
What is the Sympathetic Nervous System?
The division of the ANS that triggers 'fight or flight' responses.
What is the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
The division of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.
What is the function of afferent nerve fibers?
Transmit sensory information from receptors in the skin, muscles, and organs to the brain and spinal cord.
What is the function of efferent nerve fibers?
Carry motor commands from the central nervous system to effectors like muscles and glands to produce responses and behaviors.
Define 'fight or flight' response.
The body's physiological reaction to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.
Define 'rest and digest'.
The parasympathetic nervous system's function to conserve energy and maintain homeostasis during relaxed states.
What is the function of the CNS?
Processes sensory information and sends out motor commands to control movement, behavior, and internal processes. Integrates and coordinates all neural activity.
What is the role of the PNS?
Serves as a communication relay between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Collects sensory information and carries motor commands.
Explain the concept of homeostasis in relation to the ANS.
The ANS maintains homeostasis through the opposing actions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, regulating vital functions.
Describe the function of the somatic nervous system.
Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and allows us to interact with the external environment through sensations.
What is the main function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Prepares the body for action in emergency situations by triggering the 'fight or flight' response.
What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Conserves energy and maintains homeostasis by promoting 'rest and digest' functions during relaxed states.
How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems work together?
They work in opposition to maintain balance and homeostasis in the body's internal environment.
Explain the role of sensory receptors in the SNS.
Sensory receptors in the skin and muscles provide information about the body's position and external stimuli.
How does the nervous system enable learning and memory?
The CNS stores memories, enables learning, and generates our perceptions and subjective experiences.
What is the relationship between afferent and efferent nerve fibers?
Both systems contain afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) nerve fibers that transmit signals between the central nervous system and the periphery.
What is the effect of sympathetic nervous system activation?
Increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and release of adrenaline to prepare for 'fight or flight'.
What is the effect of parasympathetic nervous system activation?
Decreased heart rate, constricted pupils, and stimulation of digestion for 'rest and digest'.
What is the effect of damage to the somatic nervous system?
Impaired voluntary movement and reduced sensation in affected areas.
What is the effect of a stressful situation on the autonomic nervous system?
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to physiological changes like increased heart rate and sweating.
What is the cause of increased heart rate and sweating when walking home late at night?
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system due to a perceived threat (loud noise).
What is the effect of the parasympathetic system on digestion?
Stimulation of digestive processes, allowing the body to absorb nutrients and conserve energy.
What is the cause of feeling calm and relaxed after meditation?
Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting 'rest and digest' functions.
What is the effect of sensory information on the CNS?
The CNS processes the information, enabling perception, decision-making, and appropriate responses.
What is the effect of motor commands from the CNS?
Motor commands are carried to effectors like muscles and glands, producing responses and behaviors.
What is the effect of afferent nerve fiber activity?
Sensory information is transmitted to the central nervous system, allowing for perception and response.