Peripheral nervous system

Peripheral Nervous System

Divides into autonomic and somatic nervous systems.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems.

Somatic Nervous System

Supplies motor fibers to skeletal muscles and sensory fibers from the skin, muscles, and joints.

Spinal Nerves

Tubular bundles of nervous and connective tissue extending from the medulla oblongata.

Dorsal Roots

Sensory components of spinal nerves.

Ventral Roots

Involved in motor control of spinal nerves.

Nerve Plexus

Network formed by the division and joining of peripheral nerves.

Ganglion

Collection of nerve bodies outside the central nervous system.

Cervical Plexus

Formed by the anterior rami of C1-C4, located in the neck.

Brachial Plexus

Formed by the anterior rami of C5-T1, located from the neck to the axilla.

Intercostal Nerves

Nerves lying between adjacent ribs in the thoracic wall.

Lumbar Plexus

Formed by the anterior rami of T12-L5, located in the lumbar region.

Sacral Plexus

Formed by the anterior rami of L4-S4, located on the posterior pelvic wall.

Somatic Nervous System

Uses acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter for synapse communication.

Autonomic Nervous System

Utilizes acetylcholine, epinephrine, or norepinephrine for synapse to effector communication.

Autonomic Control of Heart

Regulates heart rate, force of contraction, and vascular tone.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Decreases heart rate and force of constriction.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Increases heart rate and force of contraction.

Cardiac Plexus

Contains vagus nerves and sympathetic trunk nerve for autonomic control of the heart.