AP Psych Unit 1 (1.2): Overview of The Nervous System

Nervous System

Body’s communication network that consists of all nerve cells. “Body’s Electrical Wiring”

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Coordinates the actions and interactions of the brain & spinal cord, body’s main control center.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes the sensory nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

Motor Pathway

Signals from brain to muscles/glands.

Sensory Pathway

Signals from sensory receptors to the brain.

Somatic Nervous System

Includes the nerves that transmit signs from your brain to the skeletal muscles to allow voluntary movement.

Sensory Neurons “Afferent Neurons”

Carry information from the nerves to the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons “Efferent Neurons”

Carry information from the brain and spinal cord to muscle fibers throughout the body.

Interneurons

Neurons within the brain the spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs.

Reflex Arc

Signal is sent from a sensory organ to the spinal cord, which processes the information instead of passing it on to the brain.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary and unconscious actions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Emergency response system, if something alarms, enrages, or challenges you “Fight, Flight, or Freeze.”

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Functions to calm the person “Rest & Digest.”