All Flashcards
Compare the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic prepares for 'fight or flight' by increasing heart rate, while parasympathetic promotes 'rest and digest' by decreasing heart rate.
Compare the control mechanisms of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
Autonomic operates unconsciously and involuntarily, while somatic is under voluntary, conscious control.
Compare the targets of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
Autonomic targets internal organs and glands, while somatic targets skeletal muscles.
Compare the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic activation on pupil size.
Sympathetic activation leads to dilated pupils, while parasympathetic activation leads to constricted pupils.
Compare the roles of afferent and efferent nerve fibers.
Afferent nerve fibers transmit sensory information to the CNS, while efferent nerve fibers carry motor commands from the CNS.
Compare the functions of the CNS and PNS.
The CNS processes info and sends out commands. The PNS relays signals between the body and brain.
Compare the responses of the somatic and autonomic systems to a dangerous situation.
The somatic system might control running away, while the autonomic system increases heart rate and adrenaline.
Compare the impact of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems on breathing rate.
The sympathetic system increases breathing rate to supply more oxygen, while the parasympathetic system decreases it during rest.
Compare the effects of the somatic and autonomic systems on muscle control.
The somatic system controls voluntary skeletal muscles, while the autonomic system controls involuntary smooth and cardiac muscles.
Compare the speed of responses in the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Somatic responses are generally faster because they involve direct control of skeletal muscles, while autonomic responses can be slower due to hormonal involvement.
Give an example of the sympathetic nervous system in action.
Heart rate increasing and pupils dilating when encountering a bear in the woods.
Provide an example of the parasympathetic nervous system in action.
Slowing heart rate and stimulating digestion after eating a meal.
How does the somatic nervous system allow you to type on a keyboard?
Voluntary control of skeletal muscles in your fingers and hands allows you to press the keys.
How is the autonomic nervous system involved in regulating body temperature?
It controls sweating (cooling) and shivering (warming) without conscious effort.
Describe a situation where both the sympathetic and somatic nervous systems are active.
Running away from a threat (sympathetic) while consciously planning your route (somatic).
How does the nervous system respond to a loud noise?
Sensory system processes the noise, sympathetic nervous system activates (increased heart rate), somatic nervous system may initiate movement.
How does the parasympathetic nervous system help after a stressful event?
It returns the body to a state of calm by decreasing heart rate and constricting pupils.
How does the somatic nervous system enable sensation of touch?
Through afferent nerve fibers that transmit touch information from the skin to the brain.
How is the autonomic nervous system essential for survival?
It regulates vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion without our conscious awareness.
How does the nervous system help you learn a new skill?
By storing memories and enabling learning through complex neural activity in the CNS.
What is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
The brain and spinal cord; the command center of the nervous system.
What is the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
All the nerves outside the CNS; the messengers relaying signals between the body and brain.
What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Part of the PNS that regulates involuntary, unconscious processes essential for survival.
What is the Somatic Nervous System (SNS)?
Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and behaviors under conscious control.
What is the Sympathetic Nervous System?
The division of the ANS that triggers 'fight or flight' responses.
What is the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
The division of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.
What is the function of afferent nerve fibers?
Transmit sensory information from receptors in the skin, muscles, and organs to the brain and spinal cord.
What is the function of efferent nerve fibers?
Carry motor commands from the central nervous system to effectors like muscles and glands to produce responses and behaviors.
Define 'fight or flight' response.
The body's physiological reaction to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.
Define 'rest and digest'.
The parasympathetic nervous system's function to conserve energy and maintain homeostasis during relaxed states.