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Chapter 42
The Nervous System and the Sense Organs
THEMES AND OBJECTIVES
The following is a list of the main themes covered in this chapter and some study objectives. As
you study, focus on these areas. Understand how the information you study fits into these themes
and how these themes relate to each other. Be sure you master each objective before moving on.
1. The vertebrate nervous system consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral
nervous system, and it involves afferent nerves carrying information into the central nervous
system, and efferent neurons carrying information out of the central nervous system.
 Review the structures of the vertebrate nervous system.
 Discuss the divisions of the vertebrate nervous system.
 Explain the route information takes coming and going from the central nervous system.
 Discuss a basic reflex.
 Explain the organization of the brain and general functions associated with each part.
2. Sensation and perception rely on various areas of the brain and always involve transduction
and transmission of a stimulus into the central nervous system, and integration of the
incoming information.
 Differentiate between sensation and perception.
 Explain the processes of transduction, transmission, and integration and apply each of
these to each sense discussed in this chapter.
 Explain the general path taken by sensory information.
3. Most senses depend on a sense organ with special sensory receptors, and special neural
pathways within the central nervous system.

Discuss in detail the structures and events involved in perception for each of the senses discussed
in this chapter.