Nervous System Functions and Organization Quiz

Nervous System Overview

• The nervous system is the master controlling and communicating system of the body.
• It has three overlapping functions: sensory input, integration, and motor output.

Organization of the Nervous System

• The nervous system is classified into two main structures: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
• The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
• The PNS consists of nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord, including spinal nerves and cranial nerves.

Functional Classification of the Nervous System

• The functional classification scheme is concerned only with PNS structures.
• The PNS is divided into two principal subdivisions: sensory (or afferent) division and motor (or efferent) division.
• The sensory division consists of nerve fibers that convey impulses to the CNS from sensory receptors located in various parts of the body.
• The sensory division has two subcategories: somatic sensory fibers and visceral sensory fibers (or visceral afferents).
• Somatic sensory fibers deliver impulses from the skin, skeletal muscles, and joints.
• Visceral sensory fibers transmit impulses from visceral organs.

Motor Division

• The motor division carries impulses from the CNS to effector organs, such as muscles and glands.
• The motor division has two subdivisions: somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system (not mentioned in the text but implied).
• The somatic nervous system allows us to consciously, or voluntarily control our skeletal muscles; also known as the voluntary nervous system.

Test your knowledge on the functions and organization of the nervous system, including sensory input, integration, and motor output. Learn about the structural classification of the nervous system, including the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) and the Peripheral Nervous System (spinal nerves, cranial nerves, etc).