the two major divisions of the nervous system are the ________ and ________.
The two major divisions of the nervous system are the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing and integrating information received from the peripheral nervous system. The brain is the command center of the body, responsible for higher cognitive functions, emotions, and coordination of body movements. The spinal cord serves as a pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all the nerves that are outside the central nervous system. It is further divided into two main components: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and receives sensory information from the external environment. It allows us to interact with the world and perform actions such as walking, talking, and picking up objects.
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions of the body, such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing. It is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The sympathetic division is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, preparing the body for action in response to a threat, while the parasympathetic division promotes rest, relaxation, and digestion.
Overall, these two divisions work together to coordinate and control the functions of the body, allowing us to interact with the environment, respond to stimuli, and maintain homeostasis.