Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition

Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook

Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th Edition

Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

Problem 24

Chapter 11, Problem 24

Explain both the anatomical and functional divisions of the nervous system. Include the subdivisions of each.

Verified step by step guidance

Start by defining the nervous system as a complex network responsible for coordinating body activities through electrical and chemical signals.

Explain the two main anatomical divisions: the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which consists of all neural tissue outside the CNS.

Describe the functional divisions of the nervous system, which are based on the roles the nerves play: the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) that controls voluntary movements and sensory information, and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) that regulates involuntary functions.

Break down the subdivisions of the PNS: the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles, and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which further divides into the Sympathetic division (prepares the body for 'fight or flight') and the Parasympathetic division (promotes 'rest and digest' activities).

Summarize by linking the anatomical and functional divisions, emphasizing how the CNS processes information and the PNS carries signals to and from the CNS, with the functional divisions specifying the type of control (voluntary or involuntary) exerted by the nervous system.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Anatomical Divisions of the Nervous System

The nervous system is anatomically divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, serving as the main control center. The PNS includes all nerves outside the CNS, connecting it to limbs and organs.

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

Functionally, the nervous system is divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic system controls voluntary movements and sensory information, while the autonomic system regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.

Subdivisions of the Functional Divisions

The autonomic nervous system further divides into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which have opposing effects to maintain homeostasis. The somatic system includes sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) pathways that transmit signals to and from the CNS.

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