Understanding the Nervous System: Central & Peripheral Components

Central Nervous System (CNS):

1. Brain: Controls cognitive functions, emotions, sensory processing, motor control, and homeostasis.

2. Spinal Cord: Transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitating voluntary and involuntary actions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):

1. Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary skeletal muscle movements and consciously perceived sensations from the body.

- Afferent (Sensory) Neurons: Carry sensory information from receptors to the CNS.

- Efferent (Motor) Neurons: Carry motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles.

2. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Contains two divisions:

- Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Activates the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for physical activity.

- Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Promotes "rest and digest" functions, restoring the body to a relaxed state.