The somatic nervous system (SNS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movement and processes external stimuli through two types of neurons: motor neurons (activating muscles) and sensory neurons (relaying information to the central nervous system).| Simply Psychology
Sensory neurons carry incoming information from the sensory receptors of the body toward the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), whereas motor neurons carry outgoing commands away from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands.| Simply Psychology
Mood disorders can significantly impact an individual, causing disruptive and prolonged shifts in their emotional state, leading to feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or uncontrollable euphoria, thereby affecting their overall well-being, relationships, and daily functioning.| Simply Psychology
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is critical for connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. It is essential for bodily functions such as movement, sensation, and autonomic processes.| Simply Psychology
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupillary response.| Simply Psychology
The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It acts as the body's control center, processing sensory information and directing responses. The CNS coordinates both voluntary activities, like movement, and involuntary ones, such as breathing and heartbeat.| Simply Psychology
The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses during stressful situations. It increases heart rate, dilates pupils, and inhibits digestion, among other functions, to mobilize the body's resources for immediate action.| Simply Psychology
The parasympathetic nervous system is a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates bodily functions outside of voluntary control, therefore being automatic. It is also called the ‘rest and digest' system as it conserves the body’s natural activity and relaxes the individual once an emergency has passed. It promotes relaxation, energy conservation, and recovery by slowing the heart rate, stimulating digestion, and facilitating other processes when the body is restin...| Simply Psychology
A neuron is a nerve cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system. Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites (which receive signals), and an axon (which sends signals). Synaptic connections allow communication between neurons, facilitating the relay of information throughout the body.| Simply Psychology
Anxiety disorders are characterized by distressing, persistent anxiety and are often paired with unhelpful behaviors that individuals may use to try to reduce anxiety, such as avoidance or other safety behaviors.| Simply Psychology
The fight or flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival. It prepares your body to either confront or flee from the threat by triggering changes like increased heart rate, quickened breathing, and heightened alertness.| Simply Psychology
