🧠 NERVOUS SYSTEM – DETAILED NOTES
📌 I. Definition & Overview
The nervous system is a complex network of neurons and glial
cells that transmits signals throughout the body.
It regulates both voluntary actions (like movement) and involuntary
actions (like breathing and digestion).
⚙️II. Major Divisions
A. Central Nervous System (CNS)
Made up of the brain and spinal cord.
Processes sensory information and sends out instructions.
CNS Structures:
Cerebrum: Controls thinking, memory, language, and voluntary
movement.
Cerebellum: Coordinates balance and movement.
Diencephalon: Includes the thalamus (sensory relay) and
hypothalamus (controls homeostasis, hormones).
Brainstem: Regulates heartbeat, breathing, and reflexes.
Spinal Cord: Transmits messages to and from the brain; mediates
reflexes.
B. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
All nerves outside the CNS.
Divided into:
o Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.
o Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary
functions.
Sympathetic Division: “Fight or flight”
Parasympathetic Division: “Rest and digest”
Enteric Nervous System: Manages gastrointestinal
functions.
🧬 III. Cellular Components
1. Neurons
Specialized cells that conduct electrical impulses.
Structure includes:
o Dendrites: Receive signals.
o Cell body: Processes information.
o Axon: Sends signals to other cells.
o Synapse: Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are
released.
2. Glial Cells
Support, nourish, and protect neurons.
Include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, and
microglia.
🌀 IV. Key Functions
Function Description
Sensory Input Detects changes inside and outside the
body.
Integration Processes and interprets sensory input.
Motor Output Responds to stimuli by activating muscles
or glands.
Homeostasis Regulates vital functions like heart rate and
digestion.
Cognition Manages learning, memory, emotions,
language.
⚠️V. Common Disorders
Condition Description
Stroke Brain damage from interrupted blood
flow.
Epilepsy Seizure disorder from abnormal brain
activity.
Parkinson’s Disease Degeneration of motor neurons causing
tremors.
Alzheimer’s Disease Progressive memory loss and confusion.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Immune attack on myelin sheath.
Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve damage outside the CNS.
VI. Protection and Health
CNS protected by:
o Skull and vertebrae
o Meninges (three protective membranes)
o Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) for cushioning
Healthy habits: Exercise, brain challenges, nutrition, sleep
Regeneration: PNS nerves can regrow; CNS nerves regenerate poorly
🤔 VII. Interesting Facts
The brain has about 100 billion neurons.
Uses ~20% of the body’s oxygen.
The vagus nerve controls heart rate, digestion, and inflammation.
Enteric nervous system is called the “second brain.”
Glial cells outnumber neurons about 10 to 1.
Summary
The nervous system is essential for sensing the environment, coordinating
actions, and maintaining internal balance. It integrates signals through an
intricate network of nerves and cells, supporting everything from reflexes to
thoughts. Protecting its health is key to overall well-being.