Psych. Ch. 3 pgs 90-94

The Nervous System Overview

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The CNS is made up of the brain
and spinal cord.

It interprets sensory information
and formulates reactions.

The brain sends commands to
the body through the CNS.

Nervous System

Somatic and Autonomic Systems

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

•Controls external aspects of the body, including
skeletal muscles, skin, and sense organs.

• Consists mainly of motor nerves sending brain
signals for muscle contraction.

•Involves sensory division to become aware of
the world and motor division to act on the world.

Nervous System

Somatic and Autonomic Systems

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

•Governs internal activities, such as heart rate
and digestion, often out of conscious control.

•Divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic
systems, regulating responses to stress and
recovery.

•The sympathetic system prepares the body for
behavior, while the parasympathetic calms the
body.

Nervous System