Organ Systems (Nervous, Muscle, Endocrine and Sensory Systems)

The Nervous System

The human Nervous System has three parts: 1) The Central Nervous System (CNS) 2) The
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and 3) The Autonomous Nervous System (ANS).

The Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. The cerebrum,
cerebellum and medulla oblongata are the main parts of the brain. The cerebrum stores
information. The cerebellum is responsible for balance and movement in the body and the
medulla oblongata controls respiration and heart rate.

The Peripheral Nervous System

The Peripheral Nervous System consists of the nerves arising from the brain (cranial nerves)
and the spinal cord (spinal nerves). These are not protected by the cranium or the spinal
cord and are susceptible to trauma.

The Autonomous Nervous System

The Autonomous Nervous System controls the involuntary actions in the body (heart rate,
digestion and pupil response are some examples). The Autonomic Nervous System has two
parts: The Sympathetic Nervous System (Prepares the body for action) and the
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Brings the body back to normal).

The Neuron or the nerve cell is the fundamental structure of the Nervous System.
The Muscle System

Muscles are made up of tissues. They have the ability to expand and contract. Muscles are
attached to two bones across a joint.

When a muscle contracts it becomes shorter and exerts a pulling force. This moves one of
the bones but keeps the other stationary.

Some muscles act in pairs. The action of one muscle produces an opposite effect on the
other, these are called antagonistic muscles. The muscles of the bicep and the tricep are
examples of antagonistic muscles. When the muscles of the bicep contract the tricep
muscles are relaxed and the arm is raised. When bicep muscles relax the tricep muscles
contract and the arm is lowered.

Muscles are of three types: Smooth Muscles, Cardiac Muscles and Skeletal Muscles.

Smooth Muscles: They are spindle shaped and are not branched. They do not have striations
on them. These muscles are involuntary and are found in the walls of internal muscles.

Cardiac Muscles: They are striated and branched. These muscles are found in the heart wall
and are involuntary.

Skeletal Muscles: They are striated and attached to the skeleton. These muscles are
voluntary.
The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System is made up of glands that release hormones into the blood.
Hormones are chemical messengers that act on specific organs in the body. The thyroid
gland is an example of an endocrine gland. It releases the hormone thyroxine. If the thyroid
gland oversecretes thyroxine it is leads to a condition called hyperthyroidism (hyper =
above/more). If it under-secretes thyroxine the resulting condition is called hypothyroidism
(hypo = under/less).

Hormones control various processes that occur in the body. Insulin is a hormone released
from the pancreas. It controls sugar levels in the body. Lack of insulin in the body causes
diabetes.

The pituitary gland is situated at the base of the brain. It is the size of a pea. This gland is
called the master gland of the endocrine system. It produces and releases hormones that
act on other endocrine glands, stimulating them to release their hormones.

The Sensory System

The sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin) make up the Sensory System. These
organs provide the body with information about the surroundings. Sensory organs send
messages either in the form of electrical impulses or through the nervous system to the
brain.