The Nervous System

Flashcards about the nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Made up of the brain and the spinal cord, the CNS is the center of all conscious awareness and decision making.

Brain Hemispheres

The brain is divided into a left and right hemisphere. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the right side.

Brain Stem

Located at the base of the brain, it controls basic functions such as autonomic activity, regulating sleep and consciousness, and directing some reflex responses. It connects the brain to the spinal cord.

Spinal Cord

A long tube structure running down our back that carries incoming and outgoing messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Supports the actions of the CNS, receiving messages from the CNS and sending messages to it through nerve cells called neurons.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Acts involuntarily, coordinating important functions vital for life, such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. It has two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Controls the voluntary movement of our muscles. It also takes in information from sensory organs. Reflex responses are also controlled by the SNS.