Nervous System Overview

Overview of the Nervous System

• The nervous system is a complex system that enables the body to respond to internal and external stimuli.
• It consists of two main parts: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
• It is responsible for:
  • Integrating and processing sensory information
  • Controlling voluntary movements
  • Regulating various bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
• The CNS is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which separates it from the bloodstream.

Brain

• The brain is the control center of the body.
• It consists of:
  • Cerebrum: divided into two hemispheres (left and right)
  • Cerebellum: coordinates muscle movements
  • Brainstem: connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord
• The brain is responsible for:
  • Higher-level cognitive functions, such as thought, emotion, and memory
  • Controlling voluntary movements
  • Regulating various bodily functions

Spinal Cord

• The spinal cord is a long, thin, tube-like structure that extends from the base of the brain down to the lower back.
• It is responsible for:
  • Transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body
  • Controlling reflexes
  • Regulating some bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• The PNS consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
• It is responsible for:
  • Transmitting sensory information to the CNS
  • Transmitting motor signals from the CNS to muscles and glands
• The PNS is divided into:
  • Somatic Nervous System: transmits sensory information and motor signals to and from the CNS
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): regulates involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

• The ANS is a branch of the PNS that regulates involuntary functions.
• It consists of:
  • Sympathetic Nervous System: prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System: promotes relaxation and reduces stress

Test your knowledge of the nervous system, including its structure, functions, and components, such as the CNS, PNS, brain, and spinal cord. Learn about the roles of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems, and how they interact to regulate bodily functions.