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Overview of the Nervous System Functions

The document outlines the functions and structure of the nervous system, detailing the roles of neurons and the differences between the central and peripheral nervous systems. It describes the parts of a neuron, types of neurons, and the reflex arc, as well as the main divisions of the nervous system. Additionally, it highlights key brain areas and their functions, emphasizing the importance of the nervous system in sensing, transmitting, processing information, and producing responses.

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danquahjosephine674
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21 views24 pages

Overview of the Nervous System Functions

The document outlines the functions and structure of the nervous system, detailing the roles of neurons and the differences between the central and peripheral nervous systems. It describes the parts of a neuron, types of neurons, and the reflex arc, as well as the main divisions of the nervous system. Additionally, it highlights key brain areas and their functions, emphasizing the importance of the nervous system in sensing, transmitting, processing information, and producing responses.

Uploaded by

danquahjosephine674
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Nervous System

Objectives and Questions:


• 1. I can describe the functions of the nervous system
• 2. I can describe the parts of a neuron cell and identify
how they transmit electrochemical impulses.
• 3. I can compare and contrast the central and
peripheral nervous systems
• 4. I can identify and explain different areas of the brain
and their functions.
• 5. I can explain how the nervous system passes
information between the external environment and the
many parts of the body.
The Nervous system is:
• A physically connected network of cells,
tissues and organs that allow us to
communicate with and react to the
environment and perform life activities.
Cool Nervous System Facts:
• As a fetus in the womb, neurons develop at
the rate of 250,000 per minute.
• We have about 100 billion nerve cells in our
brain by adulthood (over 600 miles worth) –
yet we typically use around 4% at any given
time
• Neurons are our largest cells
• Messages transmit at speeds up of to 180 MPH
FOUR PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF
NERVOUS SYSTEM
1. Sensing the world
 Vision, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch
2. Transmitting information
3. Processing information
4. Producing a response
 The functional unit of the
nervous system is the
nerve cell, the NEURON
They send
electrochemical
messages around the
body
 Glial cells provide support
and protection for neurons
Parts of a neuron
Nerve Cell
Parts of nerve cell
 Dendrites : recieve chemical signals from
neighboring cells.
 Cell Body: contains the nucleus &
organelles
 Axon: long extension that carries
electrical messages away from the body to
the terminal axons
 Terminal Axons: passes the signal to the
next cell.
 Myelin sheath: Protective covering for
axon
Types of Neurons
3 main types of neurons:
Sensory neuron = detect stimuli
Interneurons = relay sensory signals to
brain then return message back to motor
neurons.
Motor neuron = pass message from brain
to rest of body for muscle response

This
coordinated pathway is known as the
REFLEX ARC
Reflex Arc
“ what happens when you step on a nail”?
 Reflexes are automatic
 The Stimulus (nail ) is received
by the sensory neurons in the
foot
 This info travels to the spine,
where the interneuron is triggered
 The interneuron transmits signal
to brain (through the spinal
cord)and carries message back
and stimulates the motor neuron,
to move the foot
A progressive wave of electric and
chemical activity along a nerve fiber
that stimulates or inhibits the action of
a muscle, gland, or other nerve cell

*This is how the information moves from sensory


neurons to interneuron to motor neurons
Nervous System
Has two main divisions
1. Central Nervous System
( CNS) brain, spinal cord

2. Peripheral Nervous System


( PNS) all other nerves
2 MAIN DIVISIONS:
Central Nervous System
(CNS)
Receives, interprets and
sends signals to PNS
Has 2 main parts:
Brain – main control
center
Spinal Cord – connects
and relays nerve
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
(PNS)
Connects CNS to all organ systems
Made up of:
Sensory Neurons: detect stimuli
Motor Neurons: carry signal to stimulate
response

2 major subsystems:
Somatic – voluntary movement (balance,
movement)
Autonomic – involuntary movement
(digestion, fight or flight)
Parts of the
Nervous System
 Central  Peripheral
Nervous
 Autonomic
System
Sympathetic
 Brain
 Fight or Flight
Cerebrum
Parasympathetic
Cerebellum
 Relaxation
Brain Stem and  Somatic
Pons
Sensory and Motor
Lobes (4)
Nerves
 Spinal Cord Reflex Arc
“information
superhighway”
•Smaller part of the brain ,towards the
back

FUNCTIONS:
•Coordinates all movement
•Helps maintain posture, muscle control,
and balance
 Large
front part of the brain
FUNCTIONS:
 Voluntary activity
 Memory
 Language
 Receives and responds to sensory signals
 Controls motor functions
Top layer of the brain
Stores: experiences and/or learning
Parietal-
Sensory info
concerning touch
Frontal-
behavior &
emotion

Occipital-
vision
Temporal- memory & emotion, speech and hearing
PONS
BRAIN STEM  Breathing
 swallowing, coughing,  Heart rate
sneezing, and  Internal Organs
vomiting
 Includesthe
Medulla Oblongata
• Damage in this area
will usually kill you.

Medulla
“controls: emotions and memories”

Damage to
these areas
can lead to
amnesia or
emotional
disturbances

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