Peripheral Nervous System
PNS Refers to all nerves found outside of the CNS Classified as: Mixed Sensory (afferent) Motor (efferent)
Cranial Nerves 12 pairs that serve mostly the head and neck Vagus nerves extend to thoracic and abdominal cavities Most are mixed; three are sensory only Olfactory Optic Vestibulocochlear
Cranial Nerves I Olfactory II Optic III Oculomotor-4 motor fibers to eye muscles IV Trochlear-1 motor fiber to eye muscles V Trigeminal –mixed; sensory for face & motor for chewing VI Abducens-motor to eye muscles VII Facial nerve-sensory for taste; motor to face VIII Vestibulocochlear IX Glossopharyngeal-sensory for taste; motor to pharynx X Vagus-sensory and motor for pharynx, larynx, and viscera XI Accessory – motor to neck and upper back XII Hypoglossal – motor to tongue
Spinal Nerves A pair at each level of vertebrae for a total of 31 Formed by combination of ventral & dorsal roots of spinal cord Ventral rami – form plexuses for the anterior Dorsal rami – serve skin and muscles of posterior trunk of the spinal cord
Autonomic Nervous System (Involuntary) Motor subdivision of PNS Consists of only motor nerves Regulate activities of cardiac/smooth muscles & glands Two subdivisions: Sympathetic Parasympathetic
Sympathetic Anatomy Originates from T1 through L2 Short pre-ganglionic neuron and long post-ganglionic neuron NT = norepinephrine and epinephrine Function Fight-or-flight Respond to unusual stimuli to increase activities “E” division Exercise Excitement Emergency Embarrasment
Parasympathetic Anatomy Originates from the brain stem and S1 through S4 Terminal ganglia at effector organs NT = acetylcholine Function “Housekeeping” Maintains daily necessary body functions “D” division Digestion Defacation Diuresis
Developmental aspects Formed during first month of embryonic development Any maternal infection can have extremely harmful effects Hypothalamus is one of the last areas to develop No more neuron formed after birth; growth/maturation continues several years Brain reaches maximum weight as young adult