Nervous System: CNS vs PNS and Autonomic Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major concepts from the lecture notes on CNS vs PNS, afferent/efferent pathways, somatic vs autonomic divisions, parasympathetic/sympathetic roles, receptors, proprioception, and primary effectors.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; the primary processing and integration center of the nervous system.

Brain

An organ within the CNS that processes sensory information and coordinates actions.

Spinal cord

A CNS structure that transmits signals between brain and body and coordinates some reflexes.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; includes cranial and spinal nerves.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that emerge from the brain; part of the PNS.

Spinal nerves

Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord; part of the PNS.

Afferent (sensory) division

Signals that travel toward the CNS from receptors.

Efferent (motor) division

Signals that travel away from the CNS to effectors.

Somatic nervous system

Voluntary motor control of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Involuntary, self-governing nervous system that controls smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands; includes parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Rest and digest; promotes vegetative functions and energy conservation.

Sympathetic nervous system

Fight or flight; prepares body for activity and stress.

Proprioception

Body's awareness of position and movement in space, mediated by proprioceptors in muscles and tendons.

Proprioceptors

Sensory receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints that provide position and movement information.

Special sensory receptors

Receptors for the special senses such as vision, hearing, taste, smell, and balance.

Visceral sensory receptors

Sensory receptors that monitor internal organs and the internal environment.

Somatic sensory receptors

Receptors in skeletal muscles and joints that provide information like position and movement.

Enteric nervous system (ENS)

A network governing the GI tract; can operate independently of the CNS and interacts with the ANS.

Skeletal muscle

Voluntary muscle controlled by the somatic nervous system; main effector of voluntary movement.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary muscle in the walls of hollow organs; controlled by the ANS.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary muscle of the heart; regulated by the ANS.

Glands

Autonomic effector organs that secrete substances in response to autonomic signals.

Adipose tissue

Fat tissue that acts as an autonomic effector in metabolic regulation.

Rest and digest

Parasympathetic function promoting relaxation and digestion.

Fight or flight

Sympathetic function preparing the body for activity or stress.

Voluntary control

Conscious control of movement, typically via the somatic nervous system.

Involuntary control

Unconscious regulation of body functions, primarily via the autonomic nervous system.