Essay Exam 4 Questions
& Answers
What is the functional relationship of the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous
system? - ANSWERSPNS allows CNS to receive information and carry out its decisions. Sensory
neurons conduct afferent impulses to the CNS.
Describe a spinal reflex arc, correctly using the terminology: receptor, sensory neuron,
interneuron, motor neuron, effector. - ANSWERSIn a spinal reflex arc, the receptors the skin. The
sensory neuron takes that info. to the integration center, the spinal cord. Then the motor
neuron takes that to the effector, skeletal muscles.
Name the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system and at least 3 specific processes each
is known to contribute to ("fight or flight" is not specific enough: think of heart rate, pupil
dilation/constriction, digestive activity, etc). - ANSWERSThe 2 divisions of the ANS are the
sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division. The parasympathetic slows heart rate,
constricts pupils, and stimulates digestion. The sympathetic division accelerates heart rate,
dilates pupils, and inhibits digestion.
Describe the anatomical differences between the 2 divisions of the ANS (explain the
terminology craniosacral and thoracolumbar, as well as the different lengths of pre-and post-
ganglionic fibers) - ANSWERSPS: Craniosacral means the origin of its nerves are from the brain
and sacrum. It has long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers.
S: Thoracolumbar means the origin of its nerves are from the thoracic and lumbar reigns. It has
short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers.
What two special senses involve chemoreception? Which two involve mechanoreception? -
ANSWERSChemoreception involves taste and smell. Mechanoreception involves hearing and
balance.
& Answers
What is the functional relationship of the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous
system? - ANSWERSPNS allows CNS to receive information and carry out its decisions. Sensory
neurons conduct afferent impulses to the CNS.
Describe a spinal reflex arc, correctly using the terminology: receptor, sensory neuron,
interneuron, motor neuron, effector. - ANSWERSIn a spinal reflex arc, the receptors the skin. The
sensory neuron takes that info. to the integration center, the spinal cord. Then the motor
neuron takes that to the effector, skeletal muscles.
Name the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system and at least 3 specific processes each
is known to contribute to ("fight or flight" is not specific enough: think of heart rate, pupil
dilation/constriction, digestive activity, etc). - ANSWERSThe 2 divisions of the ANS are the
sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division. The parasympathetic slows heart rate,
constricts pupils, and stimulates digestion. The sympathetic division accelerates heart rate,
dilates pupils, and inhibits digestion.
Describe the anatomical differences between the 2 divisions of the ANS (explain the
terminology craniosacral and thoracolumbar, as well as the different lengths of pre-and post-
ganglionic fibers) - ANSWERSPS: Craniosacral means the origin of its nerves are from the brain
and sacrum. It has long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers.
S: Thoracolumbar means the origin of its nerves are from the thoracic and lumbar reigns. It has
short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers.
What two special senses involve chemoreception? Which two involve mechanoreception? -
ANSWERSChemoreception involves taste and smell. Mechanoreception involves hearing and
balance.
