All Flashcards
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.
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.
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.