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