7

NERVOUS SVSTEM

SVLLABUSs
Revisit learning of earlier classes
Types of sensory, motor, mixed (function only). Cranial and
nerves
spinal nerves (only definition and number).
Structure of a motor neuron.
Central nervous system (CNS) in detail with its parts and their
functions.
Reflex action: definition and basic terms used to describe reflex
action (stimulus, response, impulse, receptor, effector), common
examples of reflex action.

COORDINATION G) Nervous coordination : This

This
coordination is brought about by the
You have learnt in your previous
nervous system. It consists of the
classes about many life processes, like
brain, spinal cord, nerves and the
digestion, respiration, excretion, etc. going
sense organs. How does nervous
on in our body. These processes do not
system operate in our body ? Let us
function independently but they are inter-
take an example
related. They also depend upon the general
needs of the body. The interlinking of these When you feel hungry, you eat food.
activities of a living being as per the needs The act ot eating tood involves a
of the body internally or externally is called number of coordinated activities.
coordination. There are two types of Your eyes look at the food placed on
coordination viz, (i) nervous coordination table. Your brain records this
the
information and the action starts. The
and (i) chemical coordination.

Concise BIOLOGY Middle School-8 64

 the
arms get the
get message and they are
ar The hands hold the 4.
ralsed.
ra
T
food is
plate in Regulates involuntary
nich the kept.
The fingers as
breathing or the
activities such
pick up the food and push it into the heart, without our beating of the
10uth. The food goes down
through them. thinking about
limentary canal and after a
in the
series
body, reaches the STRUCTURAL AND
of
processes
NERVOUS FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF
blood stream to fulfil the requirements
The
SYSTEM-THE NEURON
arisen when you felt nervous
that had hungry. of
special cells calledsystem is made
It someone sudden1y happens to come nerve cells or up
A neuron is neurons.
of running car, the driver made
(1) a main cell up of two main parts
front a
11n -

itstantaneously applies the brakes. In

(2) a long
body called cyton,
this situation, in a fraction of a second,
process called axon.
the eves watch and the message The cell
body contains
a
nucleus. The
voes to the brain, as well as an order dendrites are
cytoplasmic
cell body. From the extensions of the
is sent to the leg muscles to press the cell body arises one
brakes. long process called the axon. Its
(ii) Chemical coordination: This may vary from a few millimetres length
to 1 metre.
The end of the axon
cOordination brought about through
is terminates in a number
of branched filaments
chemical messengers called hormones. called terminal
An example of this branches.
category is given
below
In an emergency situation, if you are
DENDRITE-
suddenly attacked by a bull in the
CYTON
street, you try to run away from it. In
NUCLEUS
(CELL BODY)
such a situation, certain chemicals i.e.
hormones are released into the blood
to provide you extra energy and
strength to run.
NODE OF RANVIER

FUNCTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM DIRECTION

INTERNODE-
FAXON OF
The nervous system in our body IMPULSE
performs the following major functions
SHEATH
1. Keeps us informed about the outside
world through the five sense organs.
2. Enables us to remember, think and
reason.
TERMINAL
3. Controls and harmonises all MOTOR NERVE BRANCHES
voluntary muscular activities, e.g., ENDINGS IN A
MUSCLE
running or even
holding this book in
Fig. 7.1 A nerve cell or a neuron
your hand while you are reading it.

Nervous System
65
 There are three kinds of neurons.
- AXON

1. Sensory neurons : These carry

impulses from the sense organs to the
spinal cord or brain.
2. Motorneurons: These carry SYNAPTIC BULB
impulses
from the brain and spinal cord to the
muscles and glands.
PRESYNAPTIC
3. Association neurons: These transmit TERMINAL BRANCHES
MEMBRANE

impulses from one neuron to another.

SYNAPTIC CLEFT
The neurons do not
actually touch
each other. They communicate with
one another via synapses where the
axon terminal of one cell
the dendrite of another
impinges on DENDRITE

(Fig. 7.2).
Fig. 7.3 Structure of the synapse
1 CELL BODY
SENSORY NEURON NODE OF RANVIER NERVE
CELL BODY
A nerve is formed ofa bundle of axons
DIRECTION 3
OF CONDUCTION AXON ASSOCATION (nerve fibres) enclosed in a tubular
DENDRITES
SYNAPSE
NEURON medullary sheath. This sheath over the
FROM SYNAPSE axon acts like an insulation and prevents
RECEPTOR AXON CELL
2
BODY mixing of impulses in the adjacent fibres. There
TO MUSCLE MOTOR
are three kinds of nerves as
ORGLAND AXON NEURON described below:
1. Sensory nerve : It contains only
B MYELIN SHEATH DENDRITEs sensory neurons, e.g. optic nerve of the
eye.
Fig. 7.2 Three types of neurons (sensory, NERVE FIBRES
NERVE
motor and association), synapse
between them and the direction of
transmission of nerve impulse
O'O

A synapse is small used for

a
junction
communication between two neurons.
It is at the synapse (Fig. 7.3) that the Fig. 7.4 Nerve fibres grouped into a nerve
message is transmitted from the axon of one 2. Motor nerve : It contains only
motor
neuron to the dendrites of the next neuron.
neurons, e.g. nerves going to the
This transmission takes place because of the muscles of the
secretion of a specific chemical called neuro- eyeball.
3. Mixed nerve : It is the which
transmitter. Messages relayed in this manner one

from carries both sensory and motorI

one neuron to the next allow the
unidirectional flow of impulses. neurons, e.g. the nerve which goes to
the tongue.
Concise BIOLOGY Middle School-8
66
HUMAN RVOUS SYSTEM
Cerebrum is the largest
brain. It is divided into two portion
two divisions make of the
The following up the
human nervous system halves called the cerebral (right and left)
outer surface is foldedhemispheres.
Their
1. The
central nervous system or
CNS: It with ridges and
(onsists of the brain and the spinal cord.
grooves. Each hemisphere is internally
The brain lies within the skull,
protected hollow. Their walls have an outer and an
and the spinal cord lies well-protected inner portion. The outer portion contains cell
Iwithin the vertebral column. bodies of the and is called grey
neurons
The peripheral nervous system or PNS: It matter. It accommodates a large number of
consists of the nerves arising from or going neurons (human cerebrum contains about 9
to the central nervous system. These billion neurons). The inner portion of the
nerves are spread throughout the body. cerebrum mainly consists of axons and is
The peripheral nervous system has two called white matter.
subdivisions : Somatic nervous system and
autonomic nervous system. Somatic nervous CEREBERAL
HEMISPHERE
system connects the CNS to the organs,
muscles and skin. t carries motor and sensory
information both to and from the CNS.
Autonomic nervous system acts largely
HYPOTHALAMUS
unconsciously and controls involuntary PITUITARY

bodily activities such as heart rate, dilation MIDBRAIN MEDULLA CEREBELLUM

and constriction of blood vessels, etc. OBLONGATA

BRAIN Fig. 7.6 Brain in median section

CENTRAL
NERVOUSs
LSPINAL The cerebrum is the seat of intelligence,
SYSTEM
CORD
consciousness and will power. It controls all
SOMATIC
NERVOUS the voluntary activities.
SYSTEM PERIPHERAL
NERVOUS Cerebellum is much smaller andis located
SYSTEM
AUTONOMIC under the cerebrum. Its main function is to
NERVOUS
SYSTEM balance the body and coordinate muscular
activities. The cerebrum decides an action,
whereas the cerebellum implements the
action. For example, if you get an idea to stand
up and walk, it arises in the cerebrum, but the
Fig. 7.5 The human nervous system muscles involved in this process contract or
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM relax under the control of the cerebellum.
1. THE BRAIN Cerebellum gets affected by alcohol. That is
The brain has three main parts: why, an alcoholic is unable to coordinate his
) The cerebrum, (i) The cerebellum, and muscular movements properly.
(i) The medulla oblongata.
Nervous System
-67
 PERIPHERAL NERVoUS SYSTEM
Medulla oblongata is the lowest part of
cord. The peripheral nervous system consists
the brain and continues upto the spinal
Its function is to control the activities of
the of nerves which connect the central nervoue
ous
internal organs. For example, beating of
the system to all parts of the body.
The peripheral nervous system is divided
heart, breathing, peristalsis of the alimentary
canal, etc. Injury to the medulla may
result into somatic nervous system and autonomie
in the death of a person. nervous system.
1. Somatic nervous system
2. THE SPINAL CORD
It consists of two sets of nerves
The spinal cord extends from the medulla
of the brain and runs down almost through (A) Cranial nerves and
the whole of the backbone. In the
length (B) Spinal nerves

spinal cord, the arrangement of white and A. Cranial nerves emerge from the brain.
reversed from that in the brain.
grey matter is There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves,
Here, the inner part is the grey matter made some ofwhich are
outer part is the
up of cell bodies, while the olfactory (for nose),
white matter made up of axons. sensory like the
cord
optic (for eyes) and auditory (for
The main functions of the spinal ears),
are
motor nerves like the ones going to
1. To control reflexes below the neck. the eye muscles, and
2. To conduct messages from the skin mixed nerves like those going to and
and muscles to the brain. coming from the face and tongue.
3. To conduct commands from the brain B. Spinal nerves: There are thirty one pairs
to muscles of the trunk (or torso) and
of spinal nerves which arise from the
limbs.
spinal cord. A typical spinal nerve is a
PARTS OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
mixed nerve. Each pair of nerves consists
AND THEIR MAIN FUNCTIONS
of a sensory nerve, that carries messages
from sensory organs such as skin to the
BRAIN
brain or spinal cord. In reverse, there is
Cerebrum Intelligence, motor nerve that brings order from the
consciousness, memory
and will power. brain or spinal cord to effector organs
Cerebellum Muscular coordination, such as glands and muscles. It involves
body balance. both, voluntary and involuntary activity.
Medulla oblongata- Breathing, digestion, 2. Autonomic nervous system
beating of the heart, etc.
SPINAL CORD The autonomic nervous system consists
Controls reflexes below the neck. of a pair of chain of nerves and ganglia
Conducts messages from skin and (a mass of cytons of nerve cells) found on
muscles to the brain. either side of the backbone. This system
Conducts commands from brain to controls the involuntary activities of the
muscles of trunk and limbs. internal organs. It operates through two
Concise BIOLOGY- Middle School-8
68
 systems - t h e sympathetic and parasym-
Reflex action is the quick, immediate and
athetic systems, which are antagonistic
Pat
automatic response to a stimulus without
(opposite) in their actions. For example, in the involvement of the brain.
the sympathetic nervous system
times of fear,
dilates the pupil of the eyes, constricts the The shortest pathway of the nerve
impulse
vessels of the skin and accelerates the heart from a receptor to the effector which
nervous system is makes a reflex action possible is called a
rate. The parasynmpathetic
responsible for the constriction of the pupil reflex arc.
of the eyes, dilation of blood vessels and
slowing down of the heart rate. nter
Grey
matter
Receptor in skin
STIMULUs neuron
Now, the nervous system acts in two
Sensory
ways, the actions or responses being RECEPTOR Hot object neuron
ORGAN
Voluntary (performed consciously) and
SENSORY Motor neuron
Involuntary (performed unconsciously). NERVE
Sensory Motor
Spinal
cord
SPINAL neuron neuron White
1. Voluntary actions (occuring CORD matter

knowingly): For example, you wish too MOTOR

NERVE
Direction of
impulse
3

watch some programme on TV Effector muscles

MUSCLE
contracts
and you switch it on and press the ACTION

remote for a particular channel. A

Fig. 7.7 A. Pathway of a reflex arc
Similarly, you pick up an apple and B. Diagram of a reflex arc
eat it.
2. Involuntary actions (occurring Stimulus received by the sensory receptors (in the finger)

unknowingly, also called Reflexes) :

For example, some particle falls into Impulse is generated and carried along by sensory
neurons towards the spinal cord
your eye and there is immediate
flushing of tears to wash out the Impulse travels through spinal nerves towards the
particle (glandular secretion). spinal cord
Instantaneous withdrawal of hand

1S
when it accidentally touches a hot Impulse arrives at the nerve endings of sensory neurons

iron (muscular movement).

The impulse passes across the relay neuron (or
15 interneuron, present between a sensory and motor
REFLEX ACTION neuron) to the motor neuron

t The peripheral nervous system and

spinal cord together control certain actions Impulse travels along the motor neuron away from
the spinal cord
where brain is not involved, e.g. if you touch
a hot object or get pricked by a pointed object, The nerve endings of motor neuron connect effector organ
you instantly remove your hand, without or muscle
on
thinking about it. Such an action is called a
en reflex action. Response is produced by effector organ or muscle
the

Nervous System
69
 SOME BASIC TERMS IN HE
TYPES OF REFLEXES WITH EXAMPLES
OF NERVOUS SYSTEM
FUNCTIONING
Reflexes are of two types- (1) Natural
To understand the
(inborn) reflexes and (2) Conditioned functioning of the
nervous system, you should be familiar w
(acquired) reflexes.
1. Natural (inborn) reflex is one in the basic
following terms:

which noprevious experience or 1. Stimulus Any change in the

reflexes environment that
usually results in
learning is required. These change in the activity of the body.
are inborn, i.e. inherited from the
parents. Example : 2. Response : The activity of the bodu
of eyes due to the stimulus.
Blinking and watering
coughing, sneezing, vomitting 3. Impulse: A wave ofelectrical disturbance
that runs through the nerves.
these are protective reflexes.
Salivation (when hungry), 4. Receptors : The sense organs which
swallowing, peristalsis: provide receive the stimulus.
functional efficiency. 5. Effector: Any muscle or gland where
2. Conditioned (or acquired) reflex is the response occurs.

one which develops during the The above terms can be understood by
lifetime due to experience or learning. taking an example of sudden removal of
Some examples of conditioned hand on touching a hot object.
reflexes are Heat is the stimulus.
Watering of mouth (salivation) at - The nerve cell in the skin that
the sight of a favourite or tasty receives the stimulus is the receptor.
food. Here, as an acquired reflex, The 'sensation' travelling through the
salivation occurs because our brain nerve is the impulse.
remembers the taste of the food
The muscle of the hand receiving the
due to a previous experience. command from the "brain" is the effector.
Typing on the keyboard of a The contraction of the muscle for
computer. withdrawing the hand is the response.
Playing a musical instrument.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Put a tick mark ( ) against the correct alternative in the following statements:
(a) Medulla oblongata controls
(i) Smelling
(ii) Beating of heart and respiratory movement

Concise BIOLOGY Middle School-8- 70

 i Intelligence and will power

17) Balancing of the body

(b) Balance of body is controlled by

(1) Spinal cord (ii) Cerebellum
(111) Cerebrum (iv) Medulla
fc) The smell of g00d food causes watering of your mouth. It is

() Natural reflex i) Acquired reflex

(it) Inborn reflex iv) Ordinary reflex
( The structural and functional unit of nervous system is
(i) Axon (ii) Nephron
(iit) Neuron (iv) Dendron

Short Answer Questions

1. You are driving your bicycle at a fast speed. Suddenly, a small boy comes in front of your
cycle and without wasting any time in thinking, you immediately apply the brakes and the
accident is avoided. What name is given to such an action ?..

2. Name the following:

a) The long, extended process of a neuron:... ********

b) The point of contactbetween two neurons.. ***

c) The kind of nerve which carries both sensory and motor neurons.. ******

(d) The nerve which connects the eyes to the brain :.. ******

e) The nerve which connects the nose to the brain.. ***

(f The nerve which connects the ears to the

8) Two sub-divisions of the

peripheral nervous system *******°°******* *°*******«*****

(h) Two parts of the autonomic nervous system..

3 Define the terms:
(a) Coordination:.. ***********

(b) Synapse:.
(c) Impuise

d) Reflex action ***** *****.

(e) Reflex arc. ****'***

71 Nervous System
 the answers in your notebook)
Long Answer Questions (Write
the basis of what is indicated within the
following pairs of
terms on
1. Differentiate between the
brackets:

(a) Stimulus and response (definition)

(b) Receptor and effector (examples)

and sensory nerve (function)
(c) Motor nerve

(d) Cranial and spinal nerves (number in pairs)

(e) Cerebrum and medulla oblongata (function)
matter)
(f Cerebrum and spinal cord (arrangement of white and grey
function of a neuron.
2. With the helpof a suitable diagram, describe the structure and
3. Briefly describe the structure of the cerebellum in human brain and mention its functions.
3

4. Mention the three functions of spinal cord.

5.
5. With the help of a suitable example, describe reflex action.
6. Briefly differentiate between the following by giving examples
(a) Voluntary and involuntary action
(b) Inborn and acquired reflexes.

rore Brain: LobeS: -

Cere brum FrontalN

Cevebrum:
Tempo rak
Hupothq lamus Emoti)S

Thaamus ccipita
I ellioence
parieta.
DreamS
Speech
Cere bellum: Judgenment
NUscle Coorelinqtion Medulla P ro blem- solvinn9
blongota
Jnvolunary
CNS actions
Autonom ic
Somatic
Nervog
NeTvOusS
Sustem
Sustem

Sumathehc PaaSymphathetic (normal)

Cstress) 1.45- 3. 4s
Concise BIOLOGY- Middle School-8
72