Peripheral Nervous System Flashcards

Flashcards about the peripheral nervous system, its divisions, and functions.

Peripheral Nervous System

Nerves branching off from the spinal cord that merge, split, and go to different destinations like skin, liver, muscles, and bones.

Somatic Nervous System

A division of the peripheral nervous system involving skeletal muscles, transmitting information to and from them, crucial for body movement, speech, etc.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the peripheral nervous system that innervates visceral organs like glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, constantly monitoring and performing functions without conscious control.

Sympathetic Division

Also called the thoracolumbar division, dominates during stress, exertion, and emergencies, associated with the 'fight or flight' response.

Thoracolumbar Division

A division that is involves spinal nerves and various ganglia that presents nerve fibers, that merge together and split off, going to target organs.

Parasympathetic Division

Also called the craniosacral division, is most active during resting conditions, facilitating 'rest and digest' functions.

Craniosacral Division

A division that involves some cranial nerves, nerves coming off the medulla, cranial region, and the lumbar region.

Parasympathetic Functions

Pupil constriction, digestive enzyme release, smooth muscle contraction in the digestive system, defecation, urination, reduced heart rate, and sexual arousal.

Sympathetic Functions

Decreased blood circulation to the skin, increased blood flow to skeletal muscles, increased heart rate, sweat gland stimulation, pupil dilation, and increased alertness.