nerves

Overview of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Comprised of:
  • Brain
  • Spinal cord

Nervous Systems and Their Functions

Types of Nervous Systems

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Definition: Everything outside the brain and spinal cord.
  • Contains the 12 cranial nerves (to be memorized) but not the spinal nerves (as they are similar in function).

• Enteric Nervous System

  • Definition: Functions independently within the digestive system.
  • Estimated to have as many neurons as the CNS
  • Often referred to as the 'gut brain'.
  • Mostly involuntary, contributes to gut feelings, potentially transmitting information outside conscious perception.

Autonomic Nervous System

• Sympathetic Nervous System
  • Commonly referred to as "fight or flight