Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo

Introduction to the Peripheral Nervous System quiz #1 Flashcards

Introduction to the Peripheral Nervous System quiz #1
Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/10
  • What structures are included in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and how does it differ from the central nervous system (CNS)?
    The PNS includes all neural structures outside the CNS, such as sensory receptors, afferent and efferent nerves, associated ganglia, and motor endings. Unlike the CNS, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, the PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body and carries out its commands.
  • How do afferent and efferent nerves function within the peripheral nervous system?
    Afferent nerves carry sensory information from the body to the CNS (arrival), while efferent nerves transmit commands from the CNS to the body (exit), enabling responses such as movement.
  • Describe the relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) using the example of touching something hot.
    When you touch something hot, sensory receptors in your skin detect the heat and send signals via afferent nerves to the CNS. The CNS processes this information and sends commands back through efferent nerves in the PNS, causing you to move your hand away.
  • What are the main components of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
    The PNS is made up of sensory receptors, afferent and efferent nerves, associated ganglia, and motor endings.
  • How does the PNS differ from the central nervous system (CNS)?
    The PNS includes all neural structures outside the brain and spinal cord, while the CNS consists only of the brain and spinal cord.
  • What is the function of afferent nerves in the PNS?
    Afferent nerves carry sensory information from the body to the CNS, facilitating the arrival of signals.
  • What is the role of efferent nerves in the PNS?
    Efferent nerves transmit commands from the CNS to the body, facilitating the exit of signals to carry out actions.
  • What are ganglia in the context of the PNS?
    Ganglia are clusters of neuron cell bodies located outside the CNS, within the PNS.
  • Describe the process that occurs when you touch something hot, involving both the CNS and PNS.
    Sensory receptors in your skin detect heat and send signals via afferent nerves to the CNS, which then sends commands back through efferent nerves in the PNS to move your hand away.
  • How does the PNS help us interact with our environment?
    The PNS makes us aware of the world around us by sending sensory information to the CNS and carrying out the CNS's commands to respond to stimuli.