All Flashcards
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.
Compare the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic prepares for 'fight or flight' by increasing heart rate, while parasympathetic promotes 'rest and digest' by decreasing heart rate.
Compare the control mechanisms of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
Autonomic operates unconsciously and involuntarily, while somatic is under voluntary, conscious control.
Compare the targets of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
Autonomic targets internal organs and glands, while somatic targets skeletal muscles.
Compare the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic activation on pupil size.
Sympathetic activation leads to dilated pupils, while parasympathetic activation leads to constricted pupils.
Compare the roles of afferent and efferent nerve fibers.
Afferent nerve fibers transmit sensory information to the CNS, while efferent nerve fibers carry motor commands from the CNS.
Compare the functions of the CNS and PNS.
The CNS processes info and sends out commands. The PNS relays signals between the body and brain.
Compare the responses of the somatic and autonomic systems to a dangerous situation.
The somatic system might control running away, while the autonomic system increases heart rate and adrenaline.
Compare the impact of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems on breathing rate.
The sympathetic system increases breathing rate to supply more oxygen, while the parasympathetic system decreases it during rest.
Compare the effects of the somatic and autonomic systems on muscle control.
The somatic system controls voluntary skeletal muscles, while the autonomic system controls involuntary smooth and cardiac muscles.
Compare the speed of responses in the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Somatic responses are generally faster because they involve direct control of skeletal muscles, while autonomic responses can be slower due to hormonal involvement.
Give an example of the sympathetic nervous system in action.
Heart rate increasing and pupils dilating when encountering a bear in the woods.
Provide an example of the parasympathetic nervous system in action.
Slowing heart rate and stimulating digestion after eating a meal.
How does the somatic nervous system allow you to type on a keyboard?
Voluntary control of skeletal muscles in your fingers and hands allows you to press the keys.
How is the autonomic nervous system involved in regulating body temperature?
It controls sweating (cooling) and shivering (warming) without conscious effort.
Describe a situation where both the sympathetic and somatic nervous systems are active.
Running away from a threat (sympathetic) while consciously planning your route (somatic).
How does the nervous system respond to a loud noise?
Sensory system processes the noise, sympathetic nervous system activates (increased heart rate), somatic nervous system may initiate movement.
How does the parasympathetic nervous system help after a stressful event?
It returns the body to a state of calm by decreasing heart rate and constricting pupils.
How does the somatic nervous system enable sensation of touch?
Through afferent nerve fibers that transmit touch information from the skin to the brain.
How is the autonomic nervous system essential for survival?
It regulates vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion without our conscious awareness.
How does the nervous system help you learn a new skill?
By storing memories and enabling learning through complex neural activity in the CNS.