THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

I. Introduction

This activity manual deals with structures and functions of the nervous system to include
the special senses. The laboratory exercises will help you examine the structures and functions of
the organs involved. The figures and illustrations will help you understand the processes and
mechanisms involved.
II. Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Distinguish the basic divisions and component organs and functions of the
nervous system.
2. Describe transmission of the synapse.
3. Explain the reflex arc and reflex act.
4. Differentiate between general and special senses.

III. Concepts/Explanations
The nervous system is the master control and communication system of the body. Every
thought, action, and sensation that you have is a reflection of its activity. It communicates with
body cells using electrical impulses, which are rapid and specific and cause almost immediate
responses. The various activities of the nervous system can be grouped together as three general,
overlapping functions. Sensory functions refer to detection of changes made by sensory receptors.
To process and interpret sensory input in the brain and decide if action is needed is the Integrative
functions. Motor functions responds to changes which activates muscles or glands. Figure 22
shows the two major subdivisions of the Nervous System.

Figure 22. Organization of the Nervous System

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The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is
divided into the cerebrum, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum (Fig. 23). The spinal cord
functions as a two-way conduction pathway to and from the brain. It extends from the foramen
magnum of the skull and ends at the first or second lumbar vertebra. There is a pair of spinal nerves
at the level of each vertebrae for a total of 31 pairs. (Fig. 24).

Figure 23. Lateral view of the brain

Figure 24. Anatomy of the Spinal Cord Figure 25. Structures of a neuron

The neurons are known as nerve cells. Its major function is to transmit nerve impulses or
messages into, within and out of the nervous system. Neurons are responsible to communicate
electrical signals, like producing body movements in response to stimuli or sensations. Figure 25
illustrates the structures of a neuron.

The body normally responses rapidly to stimuli. Rapid, predictable and involuntary

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responses are called reflexes. Reflex arc involved CNS and PNS structures, wherein reflexes
transpired on neural pathways. When reflexes stimulate the skeletal muscles, it is known as
somatic reflexes. Somatic reflexes are considered as involuntary reflexes. Autonomic reflexes
include the regulation of smooth muscles like digestion, blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating.

There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves that serve the head and neck. Figure 26 shows an
summary illustration of cranial nerves and its functions.

Figure 26. Summary illustration of structures and functions of cranial nerves

The common senses of human body are sight, smell, taste and hearing. These senses are
considered as special senses. These are functioned by complex sensory organs with special sense
receptors. Pain, temperature, and pressure that the skin recognizes is part of sense of touch or tactile
senses. General senses include tactile senses and senses of body position and movements.

The eye or eyeball is the organ responsible of sense of sight. The internal and accessory
structures of the eye support the functions. The ear serves two functions of senses – hearing and
balance. Sound stimuli are captured by hearing receptors. Whereas, equilibrium receptors maintain
positions and movements of head. These receptors work independently as it will reacts to stimuli.
The mucosa of nasal cavity contains olfactory receptor cells. The taste buds in the oral cavity
consists of gustatory cells which is responsible for the sense of taste.

IV. Laboratory Exercises

Before you begin the session, do the following:

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o Read the chapter on Nervous System and Special Senses in your textbook or
module or go to
https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/nervous/system-overview
o Scan the objectives you are expected to accomplish during this laboratory session.
o Prepare the materials needed:
 Illustrations or charts of Nervous System and Special Senses
 Food (Each piece has different taste - sweet, sour, bitter and salty)

Activity 1. Identifying Cranial Nerves.

Using an illustration of cranial nerves as guide, label the figure below. After labelling,
answer the given questions.

Figure 27. Ventral aspect of the human brain showing the cranial nerves.

1. The cranial nerve that transmits impulses for balance and hearing is _______________.
2. What cranial nerve transmits impulses for the sense of smell?_____________________.
3. What cranial nerve controls the movement of the tongue? ______________________.
4. The cranial nerve that controls the gag and swallowing reflex is ___________________.

The above activity helps you examine the location of cranial nerves and its functions. You
have leaned that cranial nerves come in pairs serving a specific organ(s).

To learn more about functions of cranial nerves, do the next activity.

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Activity 2. Examining different food taste and smell.

In this activity, you are going to determine the responses of a person when asked to taste
and smell a food. The person can be any adult member of the family or household.

After completing the steps below, answer the given questions.

Step 1. Prepare pieces of food with different taste – sweet, sour, bitter and salty. (Note: ask
for any history of food allergy.)

Step 2. Blindfold the person, ensuring he/she cannot see the food.

Step 3. Place each food near the person’s nose and let him/her describe the smell. Test one
food at a time. Document the reactions and feedback.

Step 4. Choose one food. Ask the person to pinch his/her nostril and place the food into
his/her mouth. Let him/her chew with nostrils pinched and nostrils open. Document
your observation.

Step 5. Ask him/her to identify the food and describe the taste.

Did your partner able to identify correctly on each food he/she smelled? What is the
reaction of your partner to each food? _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Did your partner able to identify the food when his/her nostril pinched while chewing?
List the comments of your partner. _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

What conclusions can you draw from this activity in association to the sense of taste and
smell?_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2 clearly shows the physiology of nervous system in relation to senses. The
activity focuses on the sensory receptors of smell and taste. The smell and taste as the stimulus,
carried by the cranial nerve transmitting to the brain for interpretation or processing.

You have learned and processed the concepts involved. Good job!

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V. Laboratory Report Sheet/Checklist (To be submitted at the end of the activity/ies)

A. Using colored pencils, illustrate/draw the structures of a neuron. Label the illustration correctly
with its structures.

B. Give an example of a scenario related to the concept of Reflex Arc or Reflexes. _____________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

C. A person who had severe injuries due to vehicular accident had an impaired breathing. What
Structure/s and function/s of Nervous System that is likely involved in this condition?
Illustrate the structure/s involved. ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Student: ________________________ Year & Section: _________ Date of Submission: _______

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