#AP Psychology: Nervous System & Neurons - The Night Before 🌃

Hey! Let's get you feeling confident for tomorrow's exam. We're going to break down the nervous system and neurons into bite-sized, easy-to-remember pieces. Let's do this!

#1. The Nervous System: Your Body's Command Center 🧠

This is a HUGE topic on the AP exam! Make sure you understand the different parts and how they interact.

The nervous system is your body's super-fast communication network. It uses electrical and chemical signals to send messages all over your body. Think of it as the internet of your body! 🌐

#1.1 Central Nervous System (CNS) 🔗

• The CNS is the brain 🧠 and spinal cord 🦴. It's the main processing center.

• Brain: The control center, processing information and making decisions.

• Spinal Cord: A highway 🛣️ connecting the brain to the rest of the body, also handles reflexes.

• Reflexes: Automatic responses controlled by the spinal cord. They're super quick because they bypass the brain initially. Think of pulling your hand away from a hot stove 🔥.

Image Courtesy of Lecturio

#1.2 Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) 🔗

• The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body. It's like the branches of a tree.🌳

• Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles 💪. Think about moving your arm or leg.

• Autonomic Nervous System: Controls automatic functions of internal organs, like your heart beating ❤️ and lungs breathing. It's always working without you thinking about it.

• Sympathetic Nervous System: The "fight or flight" system. It gets you ready for action 🏃. Increases heart rate, breathing, etc.

• **Parasympathe...