1. Organization of the Nervous System
Chapter 7

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Parasympathetic Division
Most active when body is at rest and is not threatened
Examples:
Digestion
Elimination of feces and urine
Decreases heart rate