Equine_nervous_system-2025

Nervous System

The most complex system in the equine body that controls all other body systems.

Central Nervous System

Composed of the brain and spinal cord, controls conscious actions of the body.

Peripheral Nervous System

Connects the Central Nervous System to limbs and organs.

Neurons

Basic and functional units of the nervous system that conduct impulses.

Brain Stem

Part of the brain controlling heartbeat, respiration, and body temperature.

Cerebrum

Brain portion responsible for memory, intelligence, and emotional responses.

Cerebellum

Brain part that coordinates muscular movement and maintains balance.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate and digestion.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements and receives external stimuli.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the Autonomic Nervous System that triggers 'Fight or Flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Regulates 'Rest and Digest' functions when the body is relaxed.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls reflex actions, typically not involving the brain.

Synapse

The connection point between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Dendrites

The branched projections of a neuron that conduct electrochemical stimulations.

Axon

The part of a neuron that conducts messages away from the cell body.

Sensory Neuron

Transmits impulses from sensory receptors to the brain or spinal cord.

Motor Neuron

Transmits impulses from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands.

Relay Neuron

Connects sensory neurons to motor neurons.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

A mosquito-borne viral disease that affects the central nervous system.

Fight or Flight

Response triggered by the sympathetic nervous system in reaction to danger.

Rest and Digest

Function governed by the parasympathetic nervous system during relaxation.

Central Nervous System Functions

Processing, interpreting, and storing information; issuing orders to body tissues.

Peripheral Nervous System Functions

Transmitting information to and from the Central Nervous System.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulse transmission.

Relay of Impulse

The process of synaptic transmission from one neuron to another.

Reflex Actions

Automatic responses of the nervous system that occur without conscious thought.

Illnesses and Injuries

The exposure risks for the Peripheral Nervous System due to lack of protection.