A comprehensive diagram of the Nervous System To learn about how the nervous system is divided
To learn the functions and responsibilities of each division
To learn how the sections of the nervous system interact with each other Primary Divisions
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The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord and has the greatest diversity of functions, ranging from thought to perception
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the neural cells located outside the brain and spinal cord, and primarily sends sensory signals to the CNS and receives motor signals from the CNS. The PNS can be divided itself into two groups:
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic
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The autonomic nervous system itself can be divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems:
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and digest functions including:
Lowering breathing rate
Slowing down heart
Encouraging the secretion of stomach enzymes
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for fight or flight functions, including
Raising breathing rate
Speeding up heart
Stopping the secretion of stomach enzymes
These two divisions work antagonistically, and must be balanced to preserve homeostasis Exercises
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Identify the portion of the Nervous System most involved in the following functions:
Feeling that ice cream is cold
Contemplating why ice cream feels cold
Kick generated from a doctor hitting below the knee
Kick generated by a professional kickboxer in a match
Eyes dilating from an approaching bear
Sensory (Afferent) Central Motor (Efferent) Somatic Sympathetic