Biology: The Nervous System Overview

Overview of the Nervous System

• The nervous system is a complex system that controls and coordinates the body's functions, interpreting and responding to stimuli.
• It consists of two main parts: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
• It integrates and processes information, controlling voluntary movements, sensations, and functions.
• The CNS is protected by the blood-brain barrier, a specialized barrier that filters the blood supply to the brain.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• The PNS consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
• It is divided into two subsystems:
  • Somatic Nervous System (SNS): controls voluntary movements, such as walking and talking.
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Functions of the Nervous System

• Control and Coordination: integrates and processes information, controlling body functions.
• Communication: transmits and receives signals between different parts of the body.
• Sensation: interprets sensory information from the environment.
• Movement: controls voluntary movements, such as walking and talking.
• Regulation: regulates body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Types of Neurons

• Sensory Neurons: transmit information from sensory receptors to the CNS.
• Motor Neurons: transmit information from the CNS to muscles and glands.
• Interneurons: process and integrate information within the CNS.

Neurotransmission

• Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.
• Synapse: the gap between two neurons, where neurotransmitters are released and received.
• Action Potential: the electrical impulse that travels along a neuron, triggering neurotransmitter release.

Overview of the Nervous System

• Controls and coordinates body functions, interpreting and responding to stimuli.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
• Integrates and processes information, controlling voluntary movements, sensations, and functions.
• Protected by the blood-brain barrier, a specialized barrier that filters the blood supply to the brain.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• Consists of nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.
• Divided into two subsystems: Somatic Nervous System (SNS) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).
• SNS controls voluntary movements, such as walking and talking.
• ANS controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Functions of the Nervous System

• Controls and coordinates body functions through integration and processing of information.
• Enables communication between different parts of the body.
• Interprets sensory information from the environment.
• Controls voluntary movements, such as walking and talking.
• Regulates body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Types of Neurons

• Sensory neurons transmit information from sensory receptors to the CNS.
• Motor neurons transmit information from the CNS to muscles and glands.
• Interneurons process and integrate information within the CNS.

Neurotransmission

• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.
• Synapse is the gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.
• Action potential is the electrical impulse that travels along a neuron, triggering neurotransmitter release.