Life Science: Organization of the Nervous System in Vertebrates PDF

Life Science MIHS-SAIDA GRADE 10 Mrs. Reem Nassar ACTIVITY 1: ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IN THE VERTEBRATES 1. Function of the nervous system The nervous system controls and coordinates all body functions. It allows for communication between different parts of the body and enables res...

Life Science MIHS-SAIDA GRADE 10 Mrs. Reem Nassar ACTIVITY 1: ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IN THE VERTEBRATES 1. Function of the nervous system The nervous system controls and coordinates all body functions. It allows for communication between different parts of the body and enables responses to external stimulation (a thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.)  2. The organization of the nervous system The vertebrate nervous system is a complex network. Its organization revolves around two main divisions: A. Central Nervous System (CNS) B. The peripheral Nervous system (PNS) A. The Central Nervous System (CNS) The CNS is the "command center" of the body, protected within the skull and backbone. The brain: Protected by the bones of the skull, is made up of: The spinal cord: Protected by vertebrae. It transmits information between brain and body, and controls reflexes. B. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) Consists of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord. PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body, carrying sensory information to the brain and motor commands back out. PNS is divided into: ◦ Somatic nervous system: controls voluntary movements and sensation in the muscles, skin and joints. ◦ Autonomic nervous system: regulates involuntary functions like digestion, heart rate, and breathing (responsible for relaying information from the brain to the internal organs allowing our body to function without conscious control).