Nervous System

reflex

a response controlled by the spinal cord which are quick and involuntary responses to environmental stimuli

fight-or-flight reaction

an increase in heart rate and respiration, accompanied by a decrease in digestion and salivation

nervous system

can be divided into two distinct subsystems: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system

peripheral nervous system

comprised of all other nerves in the body

central nervous system

comprised of the brain and the spinal cord

afferent neurons

neurons that are arriving to the brain

efferent neurons

neurons that are exiting the brain

parasympathetic nervous system

part of the autonomic nervous system; associated with conserving energy; send blood to the stomach for digestion and slowing the heart rate

sympathetic nervous system

part of the autonomic nervous system; associated with the processes that burn energy; responsible for the heightened state of psychological arousal known as fight-or-flight reaction

autonomic nervous system

part of the peripheral nervous system; controls the nonskeletal or smooth muscles that are typically not under voluntary control.

somatic nervous system

part of the peripheral nervous system; responsible for voluntary movement of large skeletal muscles