3.3) Parts of the Nervous System

What are the implications of compromised immune function as a result of exposure to chronic stress?

-Chronic stress can lead to increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections, and potentially an increased risk of cancer. -Ultimately, this could be a vicious cycle with stress leading to increased risk of disease, disease states leading to increased stress and so on.

Examine Figure, illustrating the effects of sympathetic nervous system activation. How would all of these things play into the fight or flight response?

-Most of these effects directly impact energy availability and redistribution of key resources and heightened sensory capacity. -The individual experiencing these effects would be better prepared to fight or flee.

fight or flight response

activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, allowing access to energy reserves and heightened sensory capacity so that we might fight off a given threat or run away to safety

parasympathetic nervous system

associated with routine, day-to-day operations of the body

Our ability to make our legs move as we walk across the room is controlled by the ________ nervous system. a) autonomic b) somatic c) sympathetic d) parasympathetic

b) somatic

central nervous system (CNS)

brain and spinal cord

If your ________ is activated, you will feel relatively at ease. a) somatic nervous system b) sympathetic nervous system c) parasympathetic nervous system d) spinal cord

c) parasympathetic nervous system

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, organs and senses in the periphery of the body

autonomic nervous system

controls our internal organs and glands

Sympathetic activation is associated with ________. a) pupil dilation b) storage of glucose in the liver c) increased heart rate d) both A and C

d) both A and C

The central nervous system is comprised of ________. a) sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems b) organs and glands c) somatic and autonomic nervous systems d) brain and spinal cord

d) brain and spinal cord

sympathetic nervous system

involved in stress-related activities and functions

somatic nervous system

relays sensory and motor information to and from the CNS

homeostasis

state of equilibrium—biological conditions, such as body temperature, are maintained at optimal levels