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        | The nervous system is divided into two main systems |  | Definition 
 
        | the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system. |  | 
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        | The spinal cord and the brain make up the CNS |  | Definition 
 
        | Its main job is to get the information from the body and send out instructions. |  | 
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        | The peripheral nervous system is made up of all of the nerves and the wiring. |  | Definition 
 
        | This system sends the messages from the brain to the rest of the body. |  | 
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        | The ability of nerves to communicate with muscles is called |  | Definition 
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        | The brain communicates with the rest of the body |  | Definition 
 
        | through the spinal cord and the nerves. |  | 
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        | It controls the rate we grow, our feelings of hunger, our body temperature, |  | 
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        | Glands are organs that run the endocrine system. |  | Definition 
 
        | The pituitary gland hangs down from the base of your brain. It is the most important endocrine gland in your body. It produces the hormone which controls growth. You grow faster at night because more hormone is released into your blood when you are asleep. |  | 
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        | The neuron is the functional unit of the nervous system. |  | Definition 
 
        | Neurons transmit nerve messages. |  | 
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 | Definition 
 
        | Neurons that carry signals from receptors and transmit information about the environment to processing centers in the brain and spinal cord. Neurons carrying messages from sensory receptors to the spinal cord. Sometimes referred to as an afferent neuron. |  | 
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        | Three types of neurons occur in the nervous system |  | Definition 
 
        | Sensory neurons - Motor neurons - Interneurons |  | 
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        | have a long axon and short dendrites and transmit messages from the central nervous system to the muscles (or to glands). |  | 
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        | are found only in the central nervous system where they connect neuron to neuron. |  | 
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        | The junction between a nerve cell and another cell is called a synapse |  | 
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        | The space between two cells is known as the |  | Definition 
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        | To cross the synaptic cleft requires the actions of |  | Definition 
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        | Chemicals released from the tip of an axon into the synaptic cleft when a nerve impulse arrives; may stimulate or inhibit the next neuron. |  | 
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        | are parts of the nervous system that sense changes in the internal or external environments. |  | 
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        | (afferent) pathways that provide input from the body into the CNS. (central nervous system) |  | 
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        | (efferent) pathways that carry signals to muscles and glands (effectors). |  | 
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        | Somatic Nervous System (SNS) |  | Definition 
 
        | The portion of the peripheral nervous system consisting of the motor neuron pathways that innervate skeletal muscles. |  | 
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        | In a closed system, the element that initiates an action in response to a signal from a sensor. In human systems, a muscle or gland often serves as an effector. |  | 
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        | Motor neurons of the somatic system are distinct from those of the autonomic system. Inhibitory signals, cannot be sent through the motor neurons of the somatic system. |  | Definition 
 
        | Sensory input from the PNS is processed by the CNS and responses are sent by the PNS from the CNS to the organs of the body. |  | 
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        | is that part of PNS consisting of motor neurons that control internal organs. It has two subsystems. |  | 
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        | The portion of the peripheral nervous system that stimulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands; consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems |  | 
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        | The Sympathetic Nervous System is involved in the fight or flight response. The Parasympathetic Nervous System is involved in relaxation. |  | Definition 
 
        | Each of these subsystems operates in the reverse of the other (antagonism). Both systems innervate the same organs and act in opposition to maintain homeostasis. |  | 
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        | Term 
 
        | sympathetic nervous system |  | Definition 
 
        | The subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that dominates in stressful or emergency situations and prepares the body for strenuous physical activity, e.g., causing the heart to beat faster. |  | 
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        | parasympathetic nervous system |  | Definition 
 
        | The subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that reverses the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. Part of the autonomic nervous system that controls heartbeat, respiration and other vital functions. |  | 
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