The nervous system
The nervous system is the major controlling, regulatory and communicating system in the body. It's the center of all mental activity including thought, learning and memory. The nervous system is divided into two parts; the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. The nervous system consists of nerve cells (neurons) that are wired together throughout the body. These neurons fire signals to each other which is their way of communicating with other neurons. Neurons carry messages in the form of an electrical impulse. This message moves from one neuron the another which is what keeps the body functioning. However, neurons have a limited ability to repair themselves. Unlike other body tissues, these neurons cannot be repaired if damaged due to injury or disease.
Functions of the nervous system
1.Sensory- There are millions of receptors that can detect change. These receptors monitor things such as temperature, sound, and light from the external environment Inside the body, receptors detect variations of pressure, pH, carbon dioxide concentration, and the levels of various electrolytes. All of this information gathered is called sensory input.
2.Integrative- The central nervous system processes sensory inputs and interprets and integrates them. The sensory input is converted into electrical signals called nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain. Then, these signals are brought together to create sensations, produce thoughts, or to add to your memory. Your decisions are made by each movement based on the sensory output.
3.Motor- The nervous system triggers a response by stimulating the organ, muscle, or gland. Based on the sensory input and integration, the nervous system responds by sending signals to your muscles, which causes them to contract or to the glands, which cause them to produce secretions. The muscles and glands are called effectors because they cause an effect in response to directions received by the nervous system.
2.Integrative- The central nervous system processes sensory inputs and interprets and integrates them. The sensory input is converted into electrical signals called nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain. Then, these signals are brought together to create sensations, produce thoughts, or to add to your memory. Your decisions are made by each movement based on the sensory output.
3.Motor- The nervous system triggers a response by stimulating the organ, muscle, or gland. Based on the sensory input and integration, the nervous system responds by sending signals to your muscles, which causes them to contract or to the glands, which cause them to produce secretions. The muscles and glands are called effectors because they cause an effect in response to directions received by the nervous system.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Vs. the Central Nervous System (CNS)
PNS
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CNS
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THE MAIN PARTS OF THE BRAIN and their functions
Frontal Lobe- a portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments.
Parietal Lobe- a portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position. Occipital Lobe- a portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields. Cerebellum- located at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance. Temporal Lobe- a portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear. |
Other brain structures and their functions
THE TYPES OF NEURONS
A neuron is a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system. There are 3 main types of neurons:
Sensory Neurons- These are neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
Motor Neurons- These are neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.
Interneurons-There are neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and the motor outputs.
Sensory Neurons- These are neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
Motor Neurons- These are neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.
Interneurons-There are neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and the motor outputs.
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