All Flashcards
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.
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 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.