Organization of the Nervous System Chapter 7
Role of Nervous System Monitor changes occuring in and out of the body (sensory input) Interpret sensory input (integration) Effect a response by activating glands and muscles (motor output)
Structure of Nervous System Central Nervous System (CNS) Brain and spinal cord Acts as command center (interprets and responds to stimuli) Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Spinal nerves and cranial nerves Acts as communication lines- carry impulses
Subdivisions of PNS Sensory (afferent) division Nerve fibers that convey impulses to the CNS Sense organs Motor (efferent) division Nerve fibers that carry impulses from CNS to effector organs Autonomic and somatic nervous systems
Subdivisions of Motor division of PNS Somatic nervous system Allows us to voluntarily control our skeletal muscles Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Regulates events that are automatic (involuntary) such as the activity of smooth or cardiac muscles Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Sympathetic Division “Fight” or “flight” system Controls activities that are evident when we are excited or in threatening situations Examples: Increase heart rate Deep breathing Sweating Dilate eye pupils
Parasympathetic Division Most active when body is at rest and is not threatened Examples: Digestion Elimination of feces and urine Decreases heart rate