★ Must-know
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes cranial and spinal nerves.
Sensory (afferent) nerves carry information into the brain and spinal cord, whereas motor (efferent) nerves carry information from the CNS to effectors.
Somatic motor nerves signal skeletal muscles for voluntary action, whereas autonomic motor nerves signal smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands involuntarily.
Further detail
📌 The parasympathetic division is associated with “rest and digest,” whereas the sympathetic division is associated with “fight or flight.”
Afferent arrives at the CNS; efferent exits toward effectors.
1. Which structures make up the central nervous system, as distinct from the peripheral nervous system?
2. A nerve carries sensory information from the skin toward the spinal cord. How is this nerve classified by the direction its signals travel?
3. Which motor pathway directs voluntary movement of skeletal muscles rather than involuntary activity in organs and glands?
Which structures make up the central nervous system?
The brain and spinal cord.
Which structures belong to the peripheral nervous system?
Cranial and spinal nerves.
Where do sensory (afferent) nerves carry information?
Into the brain and spinal cord.
Where do motor (efferent) nerves carry information?
From the CNS to effectors.
Which muscles do somatic motor nerves signal?
Skeletal muscles for voluntary action.
Which targets do autonomic motor nerves signal involuntarily?
Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.
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