- consist of all the nerves branching out of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system)
- built entirely for nerves
- links the CNS to the body’s sense receptors, muscles, and glands
- two main types: spinal nerves and cranial nerves
SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
- the division of the PNS that controls the external aspects of the body
- including the skeletal muscle, skin, and sense organ
- consist of motor nerves responsible for sending brain signals for muscle contraction
AUTOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
- the division of the PNS that governs the internal activities of the human body
- including heart rate, breathing, digestion, salivation, perspiration, urination, and sexual arousal
- heart rate and digestion are automatic and out of control but others such as breathing and sexual activity can be controlled and influenced by conscious processes
AUTOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
SYMPATHETIC DIVISIONS OF THE ANS
- involved in preparing the body for behavior
- particularly in response to stress, by activating the organs and the glands in the endocrine system
PARASYMPATHETIC DIVISION OF THE ANS
- tends to calm the body by slowing the heart and breathing
- by allowing the body to recover from the activities that the sympathetic system causes
