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The Human Nervous System Notes

Nervous System

Central Nervous System Peripheral Nervous System

(Brain + spinal cord)

Somatic Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System

( voluntary ) ( Involuntary)

Sympathetic
Nervous system

Parasympathetic
Nervous System
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1) Neurons
Neurons (nerve cells): are specialized cells which are the basic cells of the nervous system

Neurons Structure:
► Dendrite:
A short branched extension of a nerve cell
Transmits impulses towards the cell body
► Cell body:
contains the nucleus and other organelles
► Axon:
Carries nerve impulses away from the cell to the other neurons or muscles
► Myelin sheath:
A wrapping of myelin around certain nerve axons, serving as an electrical insulator
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Types of neurons
Sensory neurons Motor neurons Interneurons

Transmits impulses from Transmits impulses from Links the sensory neuron to

the sense organs or the brain and spinal cord to the motor neuron

receptors to the spinal cord the muscles and glands.

and brain Found in muscles

Ex. From skin to brain

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Nerve impulse

A nerve impulse is also known as action potential

Nerve impulse is an electrical charge that travels along the membrane of a neuron.

It begins when the neuron receives a chemical signal from another cell.

For example, if your finger touches a hot stove, nerve impulses support
quick communication between nerve cells in the hand and the brain, so
you avoid a serious burn.
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The Synapse

• The small gap between two neurons

is called a synapse.

• An action potential(nerve impulse)

is carried across the synapse by
neurotransmitters.

• Neurotransmitters are chemicals that d carry signals (“messages”) from one neuron to
the next.

Examples:

Neurotransmitter Examples of its Function Produced by

Dopamine Dopamine is important for: Hypothalamus

memory, learning, and behavior
movements and coordination

Serotonin It Helps regulate mood and sleep A special type of

neurons

People often call dopamine and serotonin the “happy hormones,” because they promote
mental well-being.
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2) The central nervous system

The central nervous system

Brain Spinal cord

Structure: The central nervous system (CNS) is made up mostly of interneurons.

Function:
• Coordinates all of the body’s activities such as walking, hearing, seeing, and so on.
• Communicates messages, processes information, and analyzes responses.
Such as the reflex action, for example, when you step on a pin or touch a hot surface.
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Human Brain structure and function

Note the following:

− You will find the same diagram in the next page ( page 8) with the function

of each part

− In page 9 you will find the functions without the diagram

− It’s up to you to use any way to study the diagram and the function of each

part
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Diagram with functions
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Brain function and structure without diagram
1. Cortex
Controls voluntary actions
Ex. Movement such as: Walking, writing.
2. Medulla oblongata
⚫ Transmits nerve impulses between the spinal cord and the brain
⚫ Controls involuntary actions such as heartbeat and breathing

3. The Pons

Transfers signals between the cerebrum and the cerebellum.

4. Hypothalamus
Control center for hunger, thirst, sleep, body temperature and emotions.

5. Cerebellum
⚫ Controls muscle tension to maintain balance and coordination.

6. Cerebrum
is the largest part of the brain.
It carries out thought processes involved with:
⚫ learning
⚫ memory
⚫ language & speech
⚫ voluntary body movements
⚫ sensory perception.
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3) Peripheral Nervous System

Consists of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord,.
It is divided into two sections: Somatic and Autonomic
A) Somatic Nervous System ( voluntary )
Responsible for:
1. voluntary movement such as walking, talking, etc...
2. reflex actions ( touching a hot stove)
3. processing the senses of touch, sound, taste, and smell

B) Autonomic Nervous System ( Involuntary)

Controls the internal organs
Such as:
The blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and heart
Consists of :
► Sympathetic Nervous system
controls internal body reactions in times of stress

► Parasympathetic Nervous System

Controls many of the body’s internal functions when the body is at rest.
After a stressful experience, the parasympathetic nervous system helps restore the body
to its resting state.