A&P chp 10

Receiving stimuli=

sensory function

Deciding about stimuli=

integrative function

Reacting to stimuli=

motor function

Monitors changes inside and outside the body, sensory receptors at the ends of peripheral neurons detect changes inside and outside the body, and transmit nerve impulses to the CNS through peripheral nerves

sensory function

processes and interprets sensory information, coordination of signals received from sensory neurons, to produce: sensations (perceptions), memory, thoughts, decisions

integrative function

these are generated by transmission of electrical impulses between nerve cells (=neurons)

thoughts, actions and emotions

nervous system counteracts effect of changes to maintain stable internal environment (equilibrium) in the body

homeostasis

activates (stimulates) muscles, organs and glands, after integration, nervous system acts upon the results by sending impulses from the CNS back to effectors (muscles or glands), the effectors can now act upond the original change that was detected

motor function

central nervous system (CNS)

brain, spinal cord

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

consists of nerves that connect CNS to peripheral areas of the body

cranial nerves

carry impulses to and from brain

spinal nerves

carry impulses to and from spinal cord

afferent nerves (sensory division)

picks up sensory information and delivers it to the CNS

efferent nerves (motor division)

carries information to the muscles and glands

somatic

carries information to skeletal muscle

carries information to smooth and cardiac muscles and glands: sympathetic NS, “fight ot flight”, parasympathetic NS, “rest or digest”

visceral (AKA autonomic nervous system)