BIOL430: Nervous System (Organization)

GMU A/P-1 exam 3 Chapter 11.1

Functions of the Nervous System

Sensory: Detect internal and external stimuli with receptors and send to the CNS

Integrative: Interpretation of sensory input/dictating appropriate response(s)

Motor: Respond to the stimuli by activating muscles and glands (effectors)

Central Nervous System

CNS: Made up of the brain and spinal cord.

Integration of input and determines appropriate output

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), 4 parts

Sensory/Afferent Neurons

Efferent/Motor Neurons

Cranial and Spinal Nerves

Enteric Nervous System

Sensory (afferent) Neurons

part of the PNS, provide input to CNS from Receptors

Efferent (motor) Neurons

Part of the PNS, provide output from CNS to effectors

Cranial and Spinal Nerves

Part of the PNS, sensory and motor neurons to and from the brain and spinal cord

Enteric Nervous System

Part of the PNS, “brain of the gut”

Somatic afferent fibers

skin, sensory structures, skeletal muscles, and joints

conscious perception

visceral afferent fibers

visceral organs

unconscious perception

Autonomic Neurons

Sympathetic = fight or flight

Parasympathetic = rest and digest 

movement of the Enteric Nervous System

Involuntary sensory and motor neurons that control the GI tract

independent from the autonomic motor division and the CNS