Peripheral Nervous System

A major function of the spinal cord is to

• protect the spinal column.

• connect the brain and central nervous system.

• initiate voluntary muscle movements.

• connect the brain and peripheral nervous system.

You are working quietly in the library when a friend sneaks up from behind and scares you, making your heart race. At this time, your _____ nervous system would be dominant.

• parasympathetic

• sympathetic

• somatic

• central

Sensory pathways carry information to the _____ and motor pathways carry information from the _____ .

• somatic nervous system; peripheral nervous system

• central nervous system; somatic nervous system

• central nervous system; central nervous system

• peripheral nervous system; peripheral nervous system

A mosquito lands on your arm. You watch it carefully then move your hand to swat it. Your sensation and response are due to _____ activity.

• spinal reflex

• autonomic nervous system

• somatic nervous system

• parasympathetic nervous system

Sensory information is best described as _____ information.

• afferent

• efferent

• internal

• external

The _____ nervous system automatically restores bodily systems to their normal level of functioning after the need for heightened activity has passed.

• somatic

• central

• sympathetic

• parasympathetic

The autonomic nervous system

• controls movements of skeletal muscles.

• initiates movements of skeletal muscles.

• controls the activities of visceral muscles, organs and glands.

• controls virtually all thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

A synapse is

• a neural connection.

• a type of neurotransmitter.

• the place where neurons communicate.

• the part of the neuron on which small extensions grow.

The _____ nervous system initiates skeletal muscle movement, whereas the _____ nervous system regulates the activity of visceral muscles.

• somatic; autonomic

• parasympathetic; sympathetic

• autonomic; somatic

• peripheral; sympathetic

The neurons in the spinal cord are part of the _____ nervous system.

• central

• peripheral

• somatic

• autonomic