Test 2/5/25 nervous system A&P

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What are the two subdivisions of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.

What does the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) communicate with?

Internal organs and glands.

What are the two divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

The sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.

What is the function of the Sympathetic division?

Arousing body functions, responsible for the fight or flight response.

What is the function of the Parasympathetic division?

Calming body functions, involved in relaxation and rest.

What does the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) control?

Sensory and motor functions.

What is the role of sensory neurons in the Somatic Nervous System?

They transmit sensory input (afferent signals).

What is the role of motor neurons in the Somatic Nervous System?

They transmit motor output (efferent signals).

What is meant by 'fight or flight'?

An autonomic physical reaction to a stressful or frightening event that prepares the body to either fight or flee.

What does integration refer to in the context of the nervous system?

Bringing together smaller components into a single system that functions as one.

What is an astrocyte?

A type of support cell in the CNS that assists in exchanges between blood capillaries and neurons.

What is the function of oligodendrocytes?

Support cells in the CNS that compose the myelin sheath.

What is the myelin sheath?

An insulation around the nerve, providing a protective layer of lipids and proteins.

What are glial cells?

Supporting cells in the nervous system.

What is saltatory conduction?

The process where nerve impulses/message 'skip' across the neuron's membrane.

What is a unique characteristic of neurons after the age of 2?

They do not reproduce themselves and are in a state of permanent growth arrest.

If a neuron dies, what can occur?

Other neurons can sometimes be trained to carry the message along another pathway.