The concept of the Nervous System
❑The nervous system is a complex network of neurons specialized to
carry messages.
❑The nervous system transmits signals between the brain and the rest of
the body, including internal organs.
❑In this way, the nervous system’s activity controls the ability to move,
breathe, see, think, and more.
Overview of the nervous system:
The four main functions of the nervous system are:
1. Control of body’s internal environment to maintain ‘homeostasis’.
2. Programming of spinal cord reflexes.
3. Memory and learning.
4. Voluntary control of movement.
Central Nervous System
The CNS is so named because the brain
integrates the received information and
coordinates and influences the activity of all parts
of the body.
Peripheral Nervous System
❑ The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves outside the brain(cranial
nerves)and spinal cord ( spinal nerves)
❑ There are two parts of the peripheral nervous system
1) Autonomic nervous system
2) Somatic nervous system
✓ The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary movements of visual organs.
Examples are blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion.
✓ The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscle
Example: moving hands
❑There are two types of Autonomic nervous system
1) sympathetic
2) parasympathetic
❑The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for
sudden stress
❑The parasympathetic nervous system restores the body to
a calm and composed state and prevents it from
overworking.