Introduction to the nervous system

Primary functions

Sensation

Integration

Regulation/control

General organization

Structural

• Central nervous system (CNS)
• Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Functional

• Sensory nervous system
  • Somatic and special sensory nervous system
  • Visceral (autonomic) sensory nervous system
    
    
• Motor nervous system
  • Somatic motor nervous system
    
    
  • Autonomic [motor] nervous system (ANS)
    • Sympathetic division
    • Parsympathetic division

The reflex arc

Afferent pathway (afferent = toward)

• Receptor — sensory mechanisim to receive stimulus

Integrator

• Receives sensory information and determines what (if any) response to make

Efferent pathway (efferent = away from)

• Effector — muscle, gland, or other cell that receives motor output

Explore animations of the reflex arc (optional): animation 1 animation 2