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Anatomy & Physiology
Learning Centre
Nervous System
Anatomical Divisions
Name
Organs
Function
General Characteristics
Central Nervous System
(CNS)
Brain
Spinal Cord
Integrate, process, and
coordinate sensory data and
motor commands
Peripheral Nervous System
(PNS)
Cranial Nerves
Spinal Nerves
Deliver sensory information to
the CNS and carries motors
commands to the peripheral
Sensory data: information about
internal and external conditions.
Motor commands: control or adjust
activities of peripheral organs.
Afferent – from peripheral to CNS
Efferent – from CNS to peripheral
Functional Divisions (PNS)
Name
Structures Involved
Components
Divisions
Function
Afferent
Nerves and receptors (they
may be neurons or
specialized cells)
Nerves and effectors (target
organs. E.g. muscles)
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Bring sensory information to the
CNS
Efferent
Somatic Nervous
System (SNS)
Carries motor commands from
the CNS to skeletal muscles
(VOLUNTARY)
Autonomic Nervous Sympathetic
Responds to “fight or flight”
System (ANS)
situation (INVOLUNTARY)
Parasympathetic
Responds to “rest and digest”
situation (INVOLUNTARY)
STIMULUS ► SENSORY RECEPTOR ► NERVE ► BRAIN ► ANS (EFFERENT) ► RESPONSE ORGAN
© 2013 Vancouver Community College Learning Centre.
Student review only. May not be reproduced for classes.
_
Authored by the Learning Centre
Functional Brain Systems: networks of neurons that work together.
Name
Limbic System
Reticular Formation
Location
Medial aspect of each cerebral hemispheres and
diencephalons.
Extends through the central core of the medulla
oblongata, pons, and midbrain (brain stem).
Function
Emotional or affective brain memory
Keeps the brain alert
Protection of Brain and Spinal Cord
Name
Constitution
Skull/vertebral Column
Meninges
Bone
Membranes-connective
tissue
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Watery cushion
Blood-brain Barrier
Capillary endothelial cells +
tight junctions
© 2013 Vancouver Community College Learning Centre.
Student review only. May not be reproduced for classes.
Function
Protection against pressure.
Cover and protect the CNS, protect blood vessels, enclose
venous sinuses, contain cerebrospinal fluid, and form
partitions in the skull.
Liquid cushion that gives buoyancy to the CNS organs.
Helps nourish the brain.
Helps maintain a stable environment for the brain. Selective
barrier. Ineffective against fat-soluble molecules, nutrients
and some electrolytes.
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