Peripheral Nervous System

Somatic Nerves

Voluntary

Autonomic Nervous System

Involuntary control. Senses and responds to internal environment. Stimulates or inhibits smooth muscle, cardiac muscle or glands (that release hormones). Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions work in opposition to maintain homeostasis

Sympathetic Nervous System

Fight or flight response activated during stressful situations. Has an excitatory effect on some parts of the body and an inhibitory effect on other parts of the body.

Releases a neurotransmitter, norepinephrine.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Activated during times of calm and rest. Restores and conserves energy. Uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to excite and inhibit different glands/muscles.

Sensory Receptors

The nerve endings and cells that detect sensory information

Sensation

The feeling experienced after the nerve impulse from the sensory receptor is interpreted by the appropriate lobe of the brain

Perception

The ways the cerebrum interprets sensation

Sensory Adaptation

The filtering out of redundant information by the brain