Summary
The peripheral nervous system contains both the autonomic and sensory-somatic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system provides unconscious control over visceral functions and has two divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is activated in stressful situations to prepare the animal for a “fight or flight” response. The parasympathetic nervous system is active during restful periods. The sensory-somatic nervous system is made of cranial and spinal nerves that transmit sensory information from skin and muscle to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to the muscles.
Glossary
acetylcholine
neurotransmitter released by neurons in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
autonomic nervous system
part of the peripheral nervous system that controls bodily functions
cranial nerve
sensory and/or motor nerve that emanates from the brain
norepinephrine
neurotransmitter and hormone released by activation of the sympathetic nervous system
parasympathetic nervous system
division of autonomic nervous system that regulates visceral functions during rest and digestion
sensory-somatic nervous system
system of sensory and motor nerves
spinal nerve
nerve projecting between skin or muscle and spinal cord
sympathetic nervous system
division of autonomic nervous system activated during stressful “fight or flight” situations