Module 1.2 - Overview of the Nervous System Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key components and divisions of the nervous system from the Module 1.2 lecture notes.

Nervous system

The body's speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body.

Nerves

Bundled axons that form neural cables connecting the brain and spinal cord (CNS) to muscles, glands, and organs.

Sensory (afferent) neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS).

Motor neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and process information between the sensory inputs and motor outputs.

Somatic nervous system

The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs; contains a sympathetic division that arouses and a parasympathetic division that calms.

Sympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that arouses the body and mobilizes its energy.