, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
1. What is the difference the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System
(PNS)?
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are both integral parts of
the human nervous system, but they differ in structure and function. The CNS consists of the brain
and spinal cord, which act as the control center of the body, processing and interpreting sensory
information and sending out responses (Bear et al., 2020). The CNS is responsible for higher
functions such as cognition, emotions, and decision-making, as well as regulating vital bodily
functions.
In contrast, the PNS includes all the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord, including
sensory and motor neurons (Purves et al., 2018). It is divided into the somatic nervous system, which
controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary
functions such as heart rate and digestion (Kandel et al., 2013). The PNS serves as a communication
network, transmitting signals between the CNS and the rest of the body, allowing for movement and
response to stimuli.
2. Mention the functions of the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological functions such as heart
rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure (Kandel et al., 2013). It is divided into the
sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which balance the body's response to stress and relaxation,
respectively (Purves et al., 2018). The ANS helps maintain homeostasis by adjusting bodily
functions without conscious control.
1. What is the difference the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System
(PNS)?
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are both integral parts of
the human nervous system, but they differ in structure and function. The CNS consists of the brain
and spinal cord, which act as the control center of the body, processing and interpreting sensory
information and sending out responses (Bear et al., 2020). The CNS is responsible for higher
functions such as cognition, emotions, and decision-making, as well as regulating vital bodily
functions.
In contrast, the PNS includes all the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord, including
sensory and motor neurons (Purves et al., 2018). It is divided into the somatic nervous system, which
controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary
functions such as heart rate and digestion (Kandel et al., 2013). The PNS serves as a communication
network, transmitting signals between the CNS and the rest of the body, allowing for movement and
response to stimuli.
2. Mention the functions of the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological functions such as heart
rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure (Kandel et al., 2013). It is divided into the
sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which balance the body's response to stress and relaxation,
respectively (Purves et al., 2018). The ANS helps maintain homeostasis by adjusting bodily
functions without conscious control.
