Unit 1.2 Overview of the Nervous system -- AP Psych

Overview of the Nervous System

Nervous System (NS)

The body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of peripheral + central Nervous System

Question: What are the 2 parts in the Nervous system?

1. Central Nervous system (brain + spinal cord)

2. Peripheral Nervous System (sensory + motor neurons that connect the central NS to the rest of the body)

Central Nervous System (CNS)

brain + spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

2 divisions:

• Somatic Nervous System

• Autonomic Nervous System (sympathetic NS, parasympathetic NS)

Contains 2 types of neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body

• Sensory neurons

• Motor neurons

Nerves

Bundled axons that form neural cables

• connect the CNS to the rest of the body

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information from the body’s tissues and sensory receptors TO the brain and spinal cord

Afferent → A = Arrive at the CNS

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information FROM the brain and spinal cord (to the muscles and glands)

Efferent → E = Exit the CNS; Execute information

Question: What are the 2 types of neurons in the Peripheral Nervous System? (Optional: functions of the neurons)

1. Sensory neurons; carry incoming information TO the brain and spinal cord

2. Motor neurons; carry outgoing information FROM the brain and spinal cord

Interneurons

Neurons within the brain + spinal cord; they communicate internally + process information between the sensory inputs + motor ourputs

Somatic Nervous System

The division of the PNS that controls the body’s skeletal muscles; voluntary muscle movements

→ conscious muscle movement (walking, writing etc.)

AKA Skeletal NS

Autonomic Nervous System

the division of the PNS that controls the glands & muscles of the internal organs; involuntary muscle movements

→ unconcious movements (heart beating, breathing etc.)

Has 2 different types

• Sympathetic NS

• Parasympathetic

Question: What is the biggest difference between the Somatic vs. Autonomic NS?

Somatic: voluntary, controlled muscle movements

Autonomic: involuntary, uncontrolled muscle movements (has 2 more branches of the NS)

Sympathetic Nervous System

division of the nervous system; arouses the body, mobilizes energy

Parasympathetic Nervous System

division of the nervous system; calms the body, conserves energy

Question: Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic NS

Sympathetic: Arousal

Parasympathetic: Calming

Reflex

A simple, autonomic response to a sensory stimulus

Question: What are all the divisions and subdivisions of the Nervous System?

• Nervous System

  • Central NS

  • Peripheral NS

    • Somatic NS

    • Autonomic NS

      • Sympathetic NS

      • Parasympathetic NS