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The Nervous System: Study Guide
1. The Nervous System Overview
The nervous system is the control system of the body. It allows you to think, feel, react to
your surroundings, and coordinate muscle movement.
● Main Components:
○ Brain: The main control center.
○ Spinal Cord: The pathway for signals between the brain and body.
○ Nerves: The "wires" that carry messages throughout the body.
2. The Brain: Anatomy and Function
Protected by the skull, the brain is divided into three primary regions:
Part Primary Function
Cerebrum Largest part; handles thinking, memory, learning, senses, and
voluntary movement.
Cerebellum Manages balance, coordination, walking, and posture.
Medulla Controls automatic, life-sustaining functions (breathing, heartbeat,
Oblongata digestion).
3. Brain Hemispheres
The cerebrum is split into two halves, each specializing in different tasks:
● Left Hemisphere: Controls the right side of the body. Focuses on logic,
mathematics, language, and writing.
● Right Hemisphere: Controls the left side of the body. Focuses on creativity,
imagination, music, and artistic expression.
4. Neurons: The Body's Messengers
Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical signals between the brain and the body.
Structure of a Neuron
1. Dendrites: Receive incoming messages.
2. Cell Body: Processes the information.
3. Axon: Transmits the signal away from the cell body.
4. Nerve Endings: Pass the message to the next cell.
Types of Neurons
● Sensory Neurons: Carry information from sense organs to the brain (e.g., sensing
heat).
● Motor Neurons: Carry commands from the brain to muscles (e.g., moving your
hand).
● Interneurons: Located in the brain and spinal cord; act as connectors between
sensory and motor neurons.