NERVOUS SYSTEM

SCIENCE 6 – SECOND QUARTER

 NERVOUS SYSTEM
It is the control center of your entire
body.
Two divisions of Nervous System:
1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

It is made up of the brain and the

spinal cord.
It processes all incoming and outgoing
messages in the body.
 PERIPHERAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM
It is composed of two different nerves:
Cranial Nerves – it has 12 pairs of nerves
originating from the brain which are associated
with motor and sensory functions.
Spinal Nerves – it has 31 pairs of nerves
originating from the spinal cord which supply the
communication links between the central nervous
system and the neck, trunk, arms, and legs.
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM
It consists of two types of nerves:
Sensory Nerves – gathers information
about your environment and your body’s
condition and send it to the CNS.
Motor Nerves – transmit impulses from the
CNS to the muscles and glands all over the
body.
Two Types of Motor Nerves

Somatic Nervous System – transmit

impulses to skeletal muscles under our
conscious control.
Autonomic Nervous System – regulates
activity of cardiac muscles, smooth muscles,
and glands.
Autonomic Nervous System
It has two opposing systems:
Sympathetic Nervous System – quickens our
heartbeats and breathing in the event of sudden
stress.
Parasympathetic Nervous System – prepares
our body for a restful state and coordinates the
movements of smooth muscles that are involved
in the body processes.
The Brain
 The Brain
It is the largest organ in the nervous system.
Skull – a hard case bone that encloses the brain.
Meninges – a brain’s membrane made up of billions
of interacting cells that are covered by three layers of
its membrane.
Cerebrospinal Fluid – a protective fluid acts as a
shock absorber to help prevent injury.
 Parts of the Brain
Cerebrum – the largest part of the brain. It controls
voluntary actions through speech and memory. It can
detect senses.
Cerebral Cortex – an outer covering in gray color
which is made up of mostly of cell bodies of neurons.
It is in cortex where most of the brain’s processing of
information is done.
Cerebellum – a small cauliflower like structure that
controls your ability to make coordinated and
balanced motor movements.
 Parts of the Brain
Medulla Oblongata (Brain Stem) – part of the brain
that connects to the spinal cord. It controls many
involuntary movements such as breathing, heartbeat,
and digestion.
Midbrain – acts as a cellular switchboard to keep the
different areas of the brain communicating
continuously with the other parts of the nervous
system.
 Parts of the Brain
Thalamus – it processes and coordinates sensory
messages from the sense receptors except the
olfactory nerves.
Hypothalamus – it regulates body functions such as
thirst, hunger, sleep patterns, and emotions.
Pons – it is a specialized band of nerve fibers that
connect to the midbrain with medulla oblongata.
 TWO HEMISPHERES OF
BRAIN
Left Hemisphere – it directs the right side of the
body that controls activities such as speaking,
reading, writing, and solving problems.
Right Hemisphere – it directs the left side of the
body that controls activities that involve imagination,
appreciation, and creativity.
The Neuron
 The Neuron
The basic unit of
structure and function
in the nervous system
Cells that conduct
impulses.
Made up of dendrites,
cell body and an axon
 Parts of the Neuron
Dendrites: branch-like extensions that receive
impulses and carry them toward cell body.
Axon: single extension of the neuron that
carries impulses away from the cell body.
The axon branches out at ending to send
impulses to many different neurons. Dendrites
receive impulses from many other axons.
 Parts of the Neuron
Axon Terminal: tip of the axon that transmit
messages.
Synapse: the gap between the axon of one
neuron and the dendrite of another neuron.
Neurotransmitter: it is a chemical substance
(from the synapse) that allows the nerve
impulse transfer to the next cell.
IMPULSES – the electrical messages that pass
through the neurons.
 Three types of Neurons
Sensory Neurons: carry impulses from inside
and outside the body to brain and spinal cord.
Interneurons: found within brain and spinal
cord, process incoming impulses and pass them
on to motor neurons.
Motor Neurons: carry impulses away from the
brain and spinal cord.
Spinal Cord
 The Spinal Cord
It is made up of nerve
fibers that carry
information to and from
the brain.
It is protected by bones
called vertebrate.
It is the information
highway of the
nervous system.