Nervous System Overview

The control center of the body, composed of the brain and spinal cord.

The part of the CNS responsible for higher-level functions, like memory and muscle control.

Part of the CNS that coordinates movements, balance, and posture.

Part of the CNS that controls involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate.

The network of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

Nerve cells that carry signals within the CNS.

Nerve cells that carry signals from the senses to the CNS.

Nerve cells that carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.

The lowest part of the brainstem, it relays signals between the brain and spinal cord and controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and swallowing.

Located in the brainstem, it relays signals between the cerebrum and cerebellum and helps regulate breathing rate.

A small but important part of the brain located below the thalamus, it regulates many vital functions like body temperature, appetite, thirst, and sleep.

A column of nerves extending from the brain to the lower back, protected by the vertebrae, the spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

The network of nerves outside the central nervous system, connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

The complex network of nerves and tissues that control and coordinate all bodily functions.

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It controls all your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It's responsible for everything from your heartbeat to your ability to learn and remember.

The spinal cord is a long, thin bundle of nerves that runs down your back. It carries messages between your brain and the rest of your body. It's like a highway for signals.

Sensory neurons are specialized cells that carry messages from your senses (like sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing) to the brain.

Motor neurons are cells that carry messages from the brain to your muscles, telling them to contract or relax. They are responsible for movement.

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements and receives sensory information from external receptors.

The nerves in the somatic nervous system that carry signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles.

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary actions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses in stressful situations.

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that controls 'rest and digest' functions, slowing the heart rate and promoting relaxation.

These are involuntary responses to a stimulus, bypassing the brain.

Nerves that carry information from sensory organs (like your skin, eyes, ears) to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are called somatic nerves. They control voluntary movements!

The brain and spinal cord are the main components of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS acts as the control center for the body, coordinating all its activities, including movement, senses, and thinking.

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is composed of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. It transmits signals between the CNS and your muscles, organs, and sensory receptors.

The Cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, is responsible for higher-level functions like memory, reasoning, language, and voluntary movement.

The Cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture.

The Brainstem controls involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and swallowing.

Interneurons carry messages within the CNS. They connect different neurons within the brain and spinal cord, allowing for complex processing and communication.

The branch of the Autonomic Nervous System that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response to stressful situations. It increases heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to muscles.

The part of the central nervous system responsible for processing information from the senses and controlling voluntary movements.

The branch of the Autonomic Nervous System responsible for 'rest and digest' functions. It slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and promotes digestion.

This is the lowest part of the brainstem. It controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the control center of your body. It's made up of the brain and spinal cord, which work together to process information and send signals to the rest of your body.

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and is responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture. It helps you move smoothly and gracefully.

The brainstem is a vital part of your brain that connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord. It controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and swallowing.

Sensory neurons carry information from your senses (like sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing) to your brain.

Motor neurons carry messages from your brain to your muscles, telling them to contract or relax. This allows you to move your body.

Interneurons connect neurons within the CNS. They act as messengers within the brain and spinal cord, helping them process information and send signals to other parts of the nervous system.

The nervous system that controls voluntary movements and receives sensory information from external receptors like skin, eyes, and ears.

The nervous system that controls involuntary actions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Nerves in the somatic nervous system that carry signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, causing voluntary movements.

Involuntary responses to a stimulus, bypassing the brain.

The network of nerves that connects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body, transmitting signals and information.

The autonomic nervous system carries impulses from the central nervous system to the heart and other internal organs, controlling involuntary actions.