Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

sensory neurons

AKA afferent neurons; transmit sensory information from receptors to the spinal cord and brain

motor neurons

AKA efferent neurons; transmit motor information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles

interneurons

neurons located between other neurons, predominantly in the brain and spinal cord, and linked to reflexive behavior

reflex arc

neural circuits that contribute to behavior that is crucial to survival

central nervous system

subdivision of the human nervous system; composed of the brain and spinal cord

peripheral nervous system

subdivision of the human nervous system; made up of nerve tissue and fibers outside the brain and spinal cord

somatic nervous system

subdivision of PNS; consists of sensory and motor neurons distributed throughout skin and muscles

autonomic nervous system

subdivision of PNS; regulates involuntary functions associated with internal organs and glands

sympathetic nervous system

subdivision of ANS; fight or flight reactions; releases epinephrine (adrenaline)

parasympathetic nervous system

subdivision of ANS; resting and digesting; releases acetylcholine