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Nervous System Notes

The nervous system serves as the body's control and communication network, enabling rapid responses to environmental changes through sensory input, integration, and motor output. It is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), with further functional divisions into somatic and autonomic systems. Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, facilitating impulse transmission, while reflex arcs provide quick automatic responses to stimuli.

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2 views3 pages

Nervous System Notes

The nervous system serves as the body's control and communication network, enabling rapid responses to environmental changes through sensory input, integration, and motor output. It is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), with further functional divisions into somatic and autonomic systems. Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, facilitating impulse transmission, while reflex arcs provide quick automatic responses to stimuli.

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Chapter 7 – The Nervous System

(General Anatomy – 7th Edition by Laiq Hussain Siddiqui)

1. INTRODUCTION
The nervous system is the control and communication network of the
body. It allows us to sense changes in the environment, process information,
and respond appropriately. It works very fast compared to other systems.
Main functions: - Sensory input – detect changes (stimuli) from inside &
outside body. - Integration – process and interpret sensory information. -
Motor output – respond by activating muscles or glands.

2. DIVISIONS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM


A. Anatomical Division
1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
o Consists of brain and spinal cord.
o Function: control center, processes information.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
o Consists of nerves outside CNS (cranial nerves, spinal nerves).
o Function: carry messages between CNS and rest of body.

B. Functional Division
1. Somatic Nervous System – voluntary control (skeletal muscles).
2. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) – involuntary control (smooth
muscles, glands, heart).
o Sympathetic division: “fight or flight” – increases heart rate,
dilates pupils.
o Parasympathetic division: “rest and digest” – slows heart
rate, stimulates digestion.

3. STRUCTURE OF A NEURON
Neuron = structural & functional unit of nervous system.
Parts: - Cell body (soma): contains nucleus. - Dendrites: receive
messages. - Axon: carries impulse away. - Myelin sheath: insulation,
speeds up conduction. - Axon terminals: pass message to next neuron or
muscle via synapse.

4. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM


Brain
 Cerebrum: largest part, controls thinking, memory, voluntary
movements.
 Cerebellum: balance, coordination.
 Brainstem: controls basic life functions (breathing, heart rate).
Spinal Cord
 Extends from brainstem down vertebral column.
 Function: conduction pathway and reflex center.

5. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM


 Cranial nerves (12 pairs): connect brain to head & neck.
 Spinal nerves (31 pairs): connect spinal cord to body.

6. REFLEX ARC
Pathway of a reflex action: 1. Receptor → detects stimulus. 2. Sensory
neuron → carries impulse to CNS. 3. Integration center → processes
information. 4. Motor neuron → carries command. 5. Effector →
muscle/gland responds.
Example: touching hot object → withdraw hand instantly.

7. MENINGES & CEREBROSPINAL FLUID


 Meninges: three protective layers around brain & spinal cord – dura
mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.
 Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): clear fluid providing cushioning,
nutrition, and waste removal.

8. CLINICAL CORRELATIONS
 Stroke: interruption of blood supply to brain.
 Meningitis: inflammation of meninges.
 Epilepsy: abnormal electrical activity in brain.
 Peripheral neuropathy: nerve damage causing weakness/numbness.

9. SUMMARY
 Nervous system = fast communication system.
 Divided into CNS (brain, spinal cord) & PNS (nerves).
 Functional division: somatic (voluntary) & autonomic (involuntary).
 Neurons transmit impulses; reflex arc allows quick automatic
responses.

Study Tip: Draw a simple diagram of a neuron and reflex arc for better
recall.

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