The Nervous System

The nervous system is the communication and

coordination centre. It’s function is to detect
and respond to changes in the external and
internal conditions of the human body.
The nervous system contains a network of specialised cells called
neurons that use electrical and chemical messages to transmit
information around the body.
 Main Components

The nervous system is composed of two main parts:

 Central nervous system (CNS)

 Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

 The Central Nervous System
CNS is the control centre of the body. It
receives and processes information in order to
initiate a response.

It consists of the:
 brain
 spinal cord
 The Peripheral Nervous System
PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
It is responsible for the detection of stimuli and
the initiation of the response.
It consists of nerves.
The Brain

The brain is the processing centre of

the body receiving and responding to
changes in the environment.

It is mostly made up of neurons.

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a cylindrical bundle

of nerves that connects the brain to the
rest of the body.

It is protected by the vertebrae of the

spine.
 Nerve cells
The specialised nerve cells are called neurons which carry electrical
messages known as nerve impulses around the body travelling in one
direction.
 Structure of a Neuron:

Nucleus Myelin
sheath
Axon
terminal

Dendrites Axon

Cell body
There are 3 different types of neurons:

 Sensory neuron
 found within the PNS
 carry impulses from receptors to the CNS
 Interneuron
 carry impulses within the CNS
 link sensory neurons and motor
neurons, as well as to other
interneurons
 Motor neuron
 found within the PNS
 carry impulses from the CNS to effectors
 Synapse

A synapse is a small gap in

between neurons.

Neurotransmitters carry the

nerve impulse across the
synapse to the next neuron.