Introduction to Afferent and Efferent Neuronal Pathways

Vocabulary flashcards covering the organization of the nervous system, focusing on afferent and efferent pathways as presented by Zoltan Rusznak.

Afferent (sensory) division

The division of the nervous system that receives information from the environment and body and brings it to the central nervous system.

Efferent (motor) division

The division of the nervous system that carries information from the central nervous system to muscles and glands to stimulate movement or secretion.

Somatomotor system

The part of the efferent division that targets skeletal muscles and involves both voluntary and involuntary movements through a one-neuron pathway.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the efferent division that controls autonomic functions by targeting smooth muscles, cardiac muscle, and glands through a two-neuron pathway.

One-neuron pathway

The structural organization specific to the somatomotor system targeting skeletal muscles.

Two-neuron pathway

The structural organization specific to the autonomic nervous system targeting the heart, smooth muscle cells, and glands.

Sympathetic nervous system

One of the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Parasympathetic nervous system

One of the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system, often associated with "rest and digest."

Autonomic target effectors

The specific structures controlled by the autonomic nervous system, including the heart, smooth muscle cells (e.g., intestines), and glands (e.g., sweat glands).