Nervous Systems

What are the main components of the Central Nervous System (C.N.S)?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

It sends motor information to the P.N.S and receives sensory information from the P.N.S.

What does the acronym SAME stand for in relation to sensory and motor messages?

Sensory → Afferent (conducting towards), Motor → Efferent (conducting away).

What is the role of the Peripheral Nervous System?

It sends sensory information to the C.N.S and receives motor information from the C.N.S.

What are the two main subdivisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Somatic and Autonomic nervous systems.

What is the function of the Somatic Nervous System?

It transmits information from receptors to the C.N.S and carries motor information to the muscles for voluntary movement.

What is the Sympathetic Nervous System responsible for?

Preparing the body for action and dealing with potential threats; activates the fight-flight-freeze response.

What does the Parasympathetic Nervous System do?

Maintains homeostasis and calms the body after stress.

What is the Enteric Nervous System?

It controls the entire digestive tract and does not require input from the brain.

What characterizes conscious responses to stimuli?

They involve awareness, are intentional, can be learned, and are often more complex.

How does a spinal reflex work?

Sensory information is sent to the spinal cord, where it directly connects to motor neurons via interneurons, bypassing the brain.

What types of neurons are involved in neural communication?

Sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

What is the role of sensory neurons?

They carry sensations towards the brain, transmitting sensory information via afferent pathways.

What is the function of interneurons?

They communicate between sensory and motor neurons and coordinate responses in the brain.

Describe a spinal reflex.

An automatic, unconscious response initiated by neurons in the spinal cord, independent of the brain, that optimizes survival.