Question | Answer |
Nerve Cells(Neurons) | Macroscopic bundles of nerves that carry electrical messages all over the body. |
Acetycholine | Neurotransmitter chemical released at the end of the nerve cells. It activates cell membranes of nerve cells in order to release a nervous impulse. |
Receptors | Receptors receive nervous impulses and transmit them to the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, in which the impulses are recognized interpreted and relayed to other cells in the different parts of the body. |
Central Nervous System (CNS) | Consists of the brain and spinal cord. |
Peripheral Nervous System (PNV) | Consists of cranial and spinal nerves, plexuses and peripheral nerves. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. |
Cranial Nerves | These nerves carry nervous impulses between the brain, head and neck. There are 12 cranial nerves. The tenth nerve, aka vagus nerve, carries messages to and from the chest and abdomen as well. |
Plexus(es) | Large network of nerves in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNV). |
Spinal and Cranial Nerves | Composition of nerves that help the body respond to outside changes in the world. These nerves include receptors for all senses; sight, hearing, smell(olfactory) and touch. |
Sensory (Afferent) Nerves | Carry Messages related to outside changes toward the spinal cord/brain. When you touch a hot stove its the afferent nerves that are stimulated and carry the message to your spinal cord and brain. |
Motor (Efferent) Nerves | Carry messages from the spinal cord and brain telling the muscles in your body how to respond. After you touch the hot stove your efferent nerves send the message leaving your brain/spinal cord telling your muscles to pull your hand from the stove. |
Autonomic Nervous System (ANV) | A large group of nerves that function automatically/involuntary. These nerves carry impulses from your CNS to your glands, heart, blood vessels, involuntary muscles in the walls of your intestines, stomach and bladder. |
Sympathetic Nerves (part of ANV) | Stimulate the body in times of stress and crisis. These nerves increase heart rate, dilate your pupils, relax airways increase blood pressure, stimulate the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline and slows digestion. |
Parasympathetic (part of ANV) | These nerves are a balance for the sympathetic nerves. They slow down your heart rate, lower blood pressure, stimulate intestinal contractions to clear your rectum, stimulate saliva, decrease breathing, stimulate digestion and contract your bladder. |