Functions and Subdivisions

Major functions of NS

Control, coordinate, and integrate

Central Nervous system CNS

The control center for the entire system consisting of the brain and spinal cord

CNS Brain

The primary center for regulating and coordinating body activities

CNS Spinal cord

The center of reflex action containing paths to and from the brain

Reflex action

The automatic response to a stimuli without consious thought

Peripheral Nervous System PNS

Conveys impulse to and from the brain or spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System

Conveys impulses to and from the brain or spinal cord and carries motor commands to tissue and systems

Cranial nerves

Nerves connected to the brain

Spinal nerves

Nerves connected to the spinal cord

Subdivisions of PNS

1. Afferent division (sensory)

2. Efferent division (motor)

Afferent Division

Brings sensory info towards the CNS

Efferent division

Carries motor commands away from CNS to muscles, glands, and adipose tissue

Receptor

Sensory structure that senses changes in and out of body

Effector

The targeted organ that respond by doing something

Efferent divisions subdivisions

1. Somatic Nervous system (SNS)

2. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Somatic NS

Controls the skeletal muscles contractions voluntarily and involuntary

Autonomic NS

Involuntarily regulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands and adipose tissue

Subdivisions of Autonomic NS

1. Sympathetic Nervous System

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System

Sympathetic NS

Can speed up heart rate

Parasympathetic NS

Can slow down heart rate