Nervous System PDF

Name: ________________________ 8 Curriculum Connection B2.1, B2.2 What is the Nervous System? The nervous system controls everything we do, including breathing, walking, thinking, and feeling. The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves in our bodies. These three orga...

Name: ________________________ 8 Curriculum Connection B2.1, B2.2 What is the Nervous System? The nervous system controls everything we do, including breathing, walking, thinking, and feeling. The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves in our bodies. These three organs work together to allow us to move and understand the world around us. How Does The Nervous System Work? The brain is the control centre of the body. It makes the decisions and sends and receives messages to and from the rest of the body. The spinal cord is the major highway for these messages to be sent through. The nerves are the smaller roads that reach all areas of the body. The nervous system is amazing! These three organs work together so that we can sense the world around us and react to our surroundings. The nerves in our bodies can sense pain and send a message quickly up through the spinal cord and into the brain. For example, if you step on a sharp tack, the nerves in your foot will feel pain and send a message up to your brain to move your foot. The Brain The brain is the boss of your body. It controls everything you do, even when you’re asleep. The brain is made up of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Cerebrum Controls the thinking part of the brain and controls our voluntary muscles. It helps us solve math problems, remember things, and move. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, located at the front. Cerebellum Located at the back of the brain. Controls our balance, movement, and coordination – how our muscles work together. Brain Stem Sits beneath the cerebellum connecting the brain to the spinal cord. Controls involuntary muscles – ones we need to work automatically, like breathing, digesting, and keeping our heart beating. Pituitary Gland Hypothalamus © Super Simple Sheets Tiny gland that produces and releases hormones. Hormones are important in many ways, like making us grow! Keeps our body temperature at 37°C by either shivering if were cold or sweating when we are hot. It is located right in the middle of the brain. supersimplesheets.com