{"id":88,"date":"2015-02-06T23:15:46","date_gmt":"2015-02-06T23:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/ospsych\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=88"},"modified":"2024-05-17T02:19:09","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T02:19:09","slug":"parts-of-the-nervous-system","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymaker-psychology\/chapter\/parts-of-the-nervous-system\/","title":{"raw":"Parts of the Nervous System","rendered":"Parts of the Nervous System"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Describe the difference between the central and peripheral nervous systems and the somatic and autonomic nervous systems<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Differentiate between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\nThe <strong><span class=\"no-emphasis\" data-type=\"term\">nervous system<\/span><\/strong> can be divided into two major subdivisions: the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">central nervous system (CNS)<\/span><\/strong> and the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">peripheral nervous system (PNS)<\/span><\/strong>, shown in Figure 1. The CNS is comprised of the brain and spinal cord; the PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body. In this section, we focus on the peripheral nervous system; later, we look at the brain and spinal cord.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"975\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224551\/CNX_Psych_03_03_NervSystem.jpg\" alt=\"Image (a) shows an outline of a human body with the brain and spinal cord illustrated. Image (b) shows an outline of a human body with a network of nerves depicted.\" width=\"975\" height=\"712\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. The nervous system is divided into two major parts: (a) the Central Nervous System and (b) the Peripheral Nervous System.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<section id=\"fs-id1422228\" data-depth=\"1\">\r\n<h2>Peripheral Nervous System<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fs-id1547472\">The peripheral nervous system is made up of thick bundles of axons, called nerves, carrying messages back and forth between the CNS and the muscles, organs, and senses in the periphery of the body (i.e., everything outside the CNS). The PNS has two major subdivisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fs-id1731967\">The <strong><span data-type=\"term\">somatic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> is associated with activities traditionally thought of as conscious or voluntary. It is involved in the relay of sensory and motor information to and from the CNS; therefore, it consists of motor neurons and sensory neurons. Motor neurons, carrying instructions from the CNS to the muscles, are efferent fibers (efferent means \u201cmoving away from\u201d). Sensory neurons, carrying sensory information to the CNS, are afferent fibers (afferent means \u201cmoving toward\u201d). A helpful way to remember this is that efferent = exit and afferent = arrive. Each nerve is basically a bundle of neurons forming a two-way superhighway, containing thousands of axons, both efferent and afferent.<\/p>\r\nThe <strong><span data-type=\"term\">autonomic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> controls our internal organs and glands and is generally considered to be outside the realm of voluntary control. It can be further subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions (Figure 2). The <strong><span data-type=\"term\">sympathetic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> is involved in preparing the body for stress-related activities; the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">parasympathetic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> is associated with returning the body to routine, day-to-day operations. The two systems have complementary functions, operating in tandem to maintain the body\u2019s homeostasis. <strong><span data-type=\"term\">Homeostasis<\/span><\/strong> is a state of equilibrium, or balance, in which biological conditions (such as body temperature) are maintained at optimal levels.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"650\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224553\/CNX_Psych_03_03_Autonomic.jpg\" alt=\"A diagram of a human body lists the different functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system can constrict pupils, stimulate salivation, slow heart rate, constrict bronchi, stimulate digestion, and cause the bladder to contract. The sympathetic nervous system can dilate pupils, inhibit salivation, increase heart rate, dilate bronchi, inhibit digestion, and inhibit contraction of the bladder. \" width=\"650\" height=\"676\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/> <strong>Figure 2<\/strong>. The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system have the opposite effects on various systems.[\/caption]\r\n<p id=\"fs-id1566614\">The sympathetic nervous system is activated when we are faced with stressful or high-arousal situations. The activity of this system was adaptive for our ancestors, increasing their chances of survival. Imagine, for example, that one of our early ancestors, out hunting small game, suddenly disturbs a large bear with her cubs. At that moment, his body undergoes a series of changes\u2014a direct function of sympathetic activation\u2014preparing him to face the threat. His pupils dilate, his heart rate and blood pressure increase, his bladder relaxes, his liver releases glucose, and adrenaline surges into his bloodstream. This constellation of physiological changes, known as the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">fight or flight response<\/span><\/strong>, allows the body access to energy reserves and heightened sensory capacity so that it might fight off a threat or run away to safety.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fs-id1590023\">While it is clear that such a response would be critical for survival for our ancestors, who lived in a world full of real physical threats, many of the high-arousal situations we face in the modern world are more psychological in nature. For example, think about how you feel when you have to stand up and give a presentation in front of a roomful of people, or right before taking a big test. You are in no real physical danger in those situations, and yet you have evolved to respond to any perceived threat with the <span class=\"no-emphasis\" data-type=\"term\">fight or flight<\/span> response. This kind of response is not nearly as adaptive in the modern world; in fact, we suffer negative health consequences when faced constantly with psychological threats that we can neither fight nor flee. Recent research suggests that an increase in susceptibility to heart disease (Chandola, Brunner, &amp; Marmot, 2006) and impaired function of the immune system (Glaser &amp; Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005) are among the many negative consequences of persistent and repeated exposure to stressful situations.\u00a0<span class=\"search-highlight first text last focus\" data-timestamp=\"1595956969754\" data-highlight-id=\"7faafb30-2203-4efb-8c57-337739842d4b\" data-highlighted=\"true\">Some of this tendency<\/span>\u00a0for stress reactivity can be wired by early experiences\u00a0<span class=\"search-highlight first text last\" data-timestamp=\"1595956969755\" data-highlight-id=\"7ad83776-d07a-41bb-a707-de8e01919865\" data-highlighted=\"true\">of<\/span>\u00a0trauma.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fs-id1523937\">Once the threat has been resolved, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over and returns bodily functions to a relaxed state. Our hunter\u2019s heart rate and blood pressure return to normal, his pupils constrict, he regains control of his bladder, and the liver begins to store glucose in the form of glycogen for future use. These restorative processes are associated with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/4e3bd586-519b-4347-90cd-f845ef491c07\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/d32f6dda-4988-40e3-ac28-02b702b6ccae\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/7865291e-d395-4c75-9f0c-5e3dffc0c2b1\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/6a769e3e-f6e8-4be4-b992-16e025147dc8\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/8e3d7060-257a-43ce-9e75-68e85228fdb0\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/74da1264-3e43-4194-a14b-a0bcd72b7f5e\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/d87d5ff9-3ef6-4704-8f03-b20cc896b9b7\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/835227f9-a046-4798-ae15-ca82314e4423\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/a7d5b82c-eb82-42ae-927f-280e812f3580\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/9188b41c-45a1-4fde-8a13-dd31eea9b6bb\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Think It Over<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"fs-id1409574\" class=\"critical-thinking\" data-depth=\"1\">\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1440541\" data-type=\"exercise\">\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1573060\" data-type=\"problem\">\r\n<p id=\"fs-id1671589\">Hopefully, you do not face real physical threats from potential predators on a daily basis. However, you probably have your fair share of stress. What situations are your most common sources of stress? What can you do to try to minimize the negative consequences of these particular stressors in your life?<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Glossary<\/h3>\r\n<section>\r\n<div data-type=\"note\">\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1569566\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">autonomic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>controls our internal organs and glands<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1425229\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">central nervous system (CNS):\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-type=\"term\">b<\/span>rain and spinal cord<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1524568\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">fight or flight response:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, allowing access to energy reserves and heightened sensory capacity so that we might fight off a given threat or run away to safety<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1479599\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">homeostasis:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>state of equilibrium\u2014biological conditions, such as body temperature, are maintained at optimal levels<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1522958\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">parasympathetic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>associated with routine, day-to-day operations of the body<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1519759\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">peripheral nervous system (PNS):\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, organs and senses in the periphery of the body<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1392546\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">somatic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>relays sensory and motor information to and from the CNS<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fs-id1281668\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">sympathetic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>involved in stress-related activities and functions<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Describe the difference between the central and peripheral nervous systems and the somatic and autonomic nervous systems<\/li>\n<li>Differentiate between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>The <strong><span class=\"no-emphasis\" data-type=\"term\">nervous system<\/span><\/strong> can be divided into two major subdivisions: the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">central nervous system (CNS)<\/span><\/strong> and the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">peripheral nervous system (PNS)<\/span><\/strong>, shown in Figure 1. The CNS is comprised of the brain and spinal cord; the PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body. In this section, we focus on the peripheral nervous system; later, we look at the brain and spinal cord.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 985px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224551\/CNX_Psych_03_03_NervSystem.jpg\" alt=\"Image (a) shows an outline of a human body with the brain and spinal cord illustrated. Image (b) shows an outline of a human body with a network of nerves depicted.\" width=\"975\" height=\"712\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. The nervous system is divided into two major parts: (a) the Central Nervous System and (b) the Peripheral Nervous System.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section id=\"fs-id1422228\" data-depth=\"1\">\n<h2>Peripheral Nervous System<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fs-id1547472\">The peripheral nervous system is made up of thick bundles of axons, called nerves, carrying messages back and forth between the CNS and the muscles, organs, and senses in the periphery of the body (i.e., everything outside the CNS). The PNS has two major subdivisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fs-id1731967\">The <strong><span data-type=\"term\">somatic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> is associated with activities traditionally thought of as conscious or voluntary. It is involved in the relay of sensory and motor information to and from the CNS; therefore, it consists of motor neurons and sensory neurons. Motor neurons, carrying instructions from the CNS to the muscles, are efferent fibers (efferent means \u201cmoving away from\u201d). Sensory neurons, carrying sensory information to the CNS, are afferent fibers (afferent means \u201cmoving toward\u201d). A helpful way to remember this is that efferent = exit and afferent = arrive. Each nerve is basically a bundle of neurons forming a two-way superhighway, containing thousands of axons, both efferent and afferent.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong><span data-type=\"term\">autonomic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> controls our internal organs and glands and is generally considered to be outside the realm of voluntary control. It can be further subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions (Figure 2). The <strong><span data-type=\"term\">sympathetic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> is involved in preparing the body for stress-related activities; the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">parasympathetic nervous system<\/span><\/strong> is associated with returning the body to routine, day-to-day operations. The two systems have complementary functions, operating in tandem to maintain the body\u2019s homeostasis. <strong><span data-type=\"term\">Homeostasis<\/span><\/strong> is a state of equilibrium, or balance, in which biological conditions (such as body temperature) are maintained at optimal levels.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 660px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/902\/2015\/02\/23224553\/CNX_Psych_03_03_Autonomic.jpg\" alt=\"A diagram of a human body lists the different functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system can constrict pupils, stimulate salivation, slow heart rate, constrict bronchi, stimulate digestion, and cause the bladder to contract. The sympathetic nervous system can dilate pupils, inhibit salivation, increase heart rate, dilate bronchi, inhibit digestion, and inhibit contraction of the bladder.\" width=\"650\" height=\"676\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 2<\/strong>. The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system have the opposite effects on various systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"fs-id1566614\">The sympathetic nervous system is activated when we are faced with stressful or high-arousal situations. The activity of this system was adaptive for our ancestors, increasing their chances of survival. Imagine, for example, that one of our early ancestors, out hunting small game, suddenly disturbs a large bear with her cubs. At that moment, his body undergoes a series of changes\u2014a direct function of sympathetic activation\u2014preparing him to face the threat. His pupils dilate, his heart rate and blood pressure increase, his bladder relaxes, his liver releases glucose, and adrenaline surges into his bloodstream. This constellation of physiological changes, known as the <strong><span data-type=\"term\">fight or flight response<\/span><\/strong>, allows the body access to energy reserves and heightened sensory capacity so that it might fight off a threat or run away to safety.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fs-id1590023\">While it is clear that such a response would be critical for survival for our ancestors, who lived in a world full of real physical threats, many of the high-arousal situations we face in the modern world are more psychological in nature. For example, think about how you feel when you have to stand up and give a presentation in front of a roomful of people, or right before taking a big test. You are in no real physical danger in those situations, and yet you have evolved to respond to any perceived threat with the <span class=\"no-emphasis\" data-type=\"term\">fight or flight<\/span> response. This kind of response is not nearly as adaptive in the modern world; in fact, we suffer negative health consequences when faced constantly with psychological threats that we can neither fight nor flee. Recent research suggests that an increase in susceptibility to heart disease (Chandola, Brunner, &amp; Marmot, 2006) and impaired function of the immune system (Glaser &amp; Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005) are among the many negative consequences of persistent and repeated exposure to stressful situations.\u00a0<span class=\"search-highlight first text last focus\" data-timestamp=\"1595956969754\" data-highlight-id=\"7faafb30-2203-4efb-8c57-337739842d4b\" data-highlighted=\"true\">Some of this tendency<\/span>\u00a0for stress reactivity can be wired by early experiences\u00a0<span class=\"search-highlight first text last\" data-timestamp=\"1595956969755\" data-highlight-id=\"7ad83776-d07a-41bb-a707-de8e01919865\" data-highlighted=\"true\">of<\/span>\u00a0trauma.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fs-id1523937\">Once the threat has been resolved, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over and returns bodily functions to a relaxed state. Our hunter\u2019s heart rate and blood pressure return to normal, his pupils constrict, he regains control of his bladder, and the liver begins to store glucose in the form of glycogen for future use. These restorative processes are associated with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_4e3bd586-519b-4347-90cd-f845ef491c07\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/4e3bd586-519b-4347-90cd-f845ef491c07?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_4e3bd586-519b-4347-90cd-f845ef491c07\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_d32f6dda-4988-40e3-ac28-02b702b6ccae\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/d32f6dda-4988-40e3-ac28-02b702b6ccae?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_d32f6dda-4988-40e3-ac28-02b702b6ccae\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_7865291e-d395-4c75-9f0c-5e3dffc0c2b1\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/7865291e-d395-4c75-9f0c-5e3dffc0c2b1?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_7865291e-d395-4c75-9f0c-5e3dffc0c2b1\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_6a769e3e-f6e8-4be4-b992-16e025147dc8\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/6a769e3e-f6e8-4be4-b992-16e025147dc8?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_6a769e3e-f6e8-4be4-b992-16e025147dc8\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_8e3d7060-257a-43ce-9e75-68e85228fdb0\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/8e3d7060-257a-43ce-9e75-68e85228fdb0?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_8e3d7060-257a-43ce-9e75-68e85228fdb0\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_74da1264-3e43-4194-a14b-a0bcd72b7f5e\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/74da1264-3e43-4194-a14b-a0bcd72b7f5e?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_74da1264-3e43-4194-a14b-a0bcd72b7f5e\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_d87d5ff9-3ef6-4704-8f03-b20cc896b9b7\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/d87d5ff9-3ef6-4704-8f03-b20cc896b9b7?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_d87d5ff9-3ef6-4704-8f03-b20cc896b9b7\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_835227f9-a046-4798-ae15-ca82314e4423\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/835227f9-a046-4798-ae15-ca82314e4423?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_835227f9-a046-4798-ae15-ca82314e4423\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_a7d5b82c-eb82-42ae-927f-280e812f3580\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/a7d5b82c-eb82-42ae-927f-280e812f3580?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_a7d5b82c-eb82-42ae-927f-280e812f3580\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_9188b41c-45a1-4fde-8a13-dd31eea9b6bb\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/9188b41c-45a1-4fde-8a13-dd31eea9b6bb?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_9188b41c-45a1-4fde-8a13-dd31eea9b6bb\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Think It Over<\/h3>\n<section id=\"fs-id1409574\" class=\"critical-thinking\" data-depth=\"1\">\n<div id=\"fs-id1440541\" data-type=\"exercise\">\n<div id=\"fs-id1573060\" data-type=\"problem\">\n<p id=\"fs-id1671589\">Hopefully, you do not face real physical threats from potential predators on a daily basis. However, you probably have your fair share of stress. What situations are your most common sources of stress? What can you do to try to minimize the negative consequences of these particular stressors in your life?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Glossary<\/h3>\n<section>\n<div data-type=\"note\">\n<div id=\"fs-id1569566\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">autonomic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>controls our internal organs and glands<\/div>\n<div id=\"fs-id1425229\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">central nervous system (CNS):\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-type=\"term\">b<\/span>rain and spinal cord<\/div>\n<div id=\"fs-id1524568\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">fight or flight response:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, allowing access to energy reserves and heightened sensory capacity so that we might fight off a given threat or run away to safety<\/div>\n<div id=\"fs-id1479599\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">homeostasis:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>state of equilibrium\u2014biological conditions, such as body temperature, are maintained at optimal levels<\/div>\n<div id=\"fs-id1522958\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">parasympathetic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>associated with routine, day-to-day operations of the body<\/div>\n<div id=\"fs-id1519759\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">peripheral nervous system (PNS):\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, organs and senses in the periphery of the body<\/div>\n<div id=\"fs-id1392546\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">somatic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>relays sensory and motor information to and from the CNS<\/div>\n<div id=\"fs-id1281668\" data-type=\"definition\"><strong><span data-type=\"term\">sympathetic nervous system:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>involved in stress-related activities and functions<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-88\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Parts of the Nervous System. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: OpenStax College. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/3-3-parts-of-the-nervous-system\">https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/3-3-parts-of-the-nervous-system<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":5797,"menu_order":6,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Parts of the Nervous System\",\"author\":\"OpenStax College\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/3-3-parts-of-the-nervous-system\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"Download for free at https:\/\/openstax.org\/books\/psychology-2e\/pages\/1-introduction.\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"82d7f6af-0939-4f5e-802b-d1c0ffb7e7a1, 4fd744fb-0bd7-4e65-a829-800e0bbb6ad4, 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