CNS and PNS Divisions of the Nervous System

Divisions of the Nervous System – CNS & PNS

Outline of the Components and Functions of the Reflex Arcs

It is a path of neurons connecting various nervous system cells that send information to the spinal cord from the body. The five significant components of reflex arcs include muscles, motor neurons, interneurons, sensory neurons, and receptors. Receptors are found along the membrane of proteins neurons (Sanes, Reh & Harris, 2011). It reacts to any gesture are happening around the environment. It creates awareness in the brain anytime part of the body or skin is pressed. The receptors also respond to smell, taste, light, sound, or pain. Sensory neurons have the sensory receptors activated anytime the receptors react to the environment. They ensure the spinal cord, brain, and central nervous system receive information.

Interneurons are the pivot of the nervous system. It connects all the sensory cells for a response that activates the interneurons. Motor Neurons; the spinal cord is where the interneurons join with the motor neurons for an action to convey information to the body through the central nervous system (Sanes, Reh & Harris, 2011). Muscles react to contraction information transmitted by the motor neurons. When the muscles contract, they cause the body to move.

Difference between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System

It is located in the spinal cord. The nerve controls the respiratory system, the pupil, and the heart rate. For the body to be alert, the nerve increases the stress and body speed (Sanes, Reh & Harris, 2011). The adrenaline response causes vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and skeletal muscle vasodilation.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The brainstem of the spinal cord is where the parasympathetic nerve is located, and it controls the visceral organ. It also controls the salivary gland, tear, and nasal mucous glands (Sanes, Reh & Harris, 2011). As the nerve controls many tissues, the maintenance of life is not controlled by it. When a human is resting, it is because of the sympathetic nerve. It also helps during digestion and reduces the human heartbeat.