Nervous System Overview and Function

Nervous System Overview

• The nervous system is composed of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
• The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
• The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Brain Structure and Function

• The brain is a complex organ with many regions, each responsible for different functions.
• Specific regions of the brain perform functions like memory, sensory input processing, and motor control.
• Brain regions work together for complex behaviors.

Neuron Structure

• Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system.
• A neuron includes a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.
• Dendrites receive signals from other neurons.
• The axon transmits signals to other neurons or target cells.

Myelin

• Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates axons.
• Myelin speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Myelin is produced by glial cells (Schwann cells).

Impulse Transmission

• Nerve impulses are electrical signals that travel along neurons.
• These signals are facilitated by changes in ion concentrations across the neuronal membrane.
• Impulse transmission relies on the rapid movement of charged particles through ion channels in the neuron's membrane.

Action Potential

• Action potential is a rapid change in membrane potential during impulse transmission.
• Voltage-gated ion channels are crucial for generating and propagating the action potential.

Synapse

• Synapses are the junctions between neurons.
• Neurotransmitters are released at synapses to allow signaling from one neuron to another.
• Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, initiating a response in the receiving cell.

Reflex Arc

• A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls quick, involuntary responses to stimuli.
• Reflex arcs typically involve sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Reaction Time

• Reaction time is the time delay between a stimulus and a response.
• Factors like stimulus intensity and neural pathway length affect reaction time.

Explore the intricate workings of the nervous system, including the roles of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Dive into the structure and function of neurons, the importance of myelin, and how nerve impulses are transmitted in this informative quiz.