Scribd
Upload
27 views2 pages

Nervous System 1

The document summarizes the main components and functions of the human nervous system. It describes how the nervous system is made up of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system. It then provides details on the four main regions of the brain (brainstem, cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon) and how they control different bodily functions. It also discusses the roles of neurons, the somatic nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system in transmitting signals between the brain and body.

Uploaded by

JOMICA SANTOS
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
27 views2 pages

Nervous System 1

The document summarizes the main components and functions of the human nervous system. It describes how the nervous system is made up of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system. It then provides details on the four main regions of the brain (brainstem, cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon) and how they control different bodily functions. It also discusses the roles of neurons, the somatic nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system in transmitting signals between the brain and body.

Uploaded by

JOMICA SANTOS
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


CARRANGLAN OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAM
Joson, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija

HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and


cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal
cord to various parts of the body. The proper functioning
of these nerves ensures that each organ system, such as the
cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, can
adequately communicate with one another.

The nervous system includes the central nervous system


(CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is
made up of the brain and spinal cord, whereas the PNS is
made up of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

The brain
On average, the brain weighs between 1.3 to 1.4 kg, with
about 60% of the brain consisting of fat. The remaining
40% of the brain consists of protein, water, carbohydrates,
and salts.

The brain can be divided into four distinct regions: the


brainstem, cerebrum, cerebellum, and diencephalon. Taken
together, these different areas of the brain control thought,
memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing,
hunger, temperature, and all other processes that occur
within the body.

The brainstem
The brainstem, located in the middle of the brain, is the stalk-like part of the brain that
connects the brain to the spinal cord and is only about one inch long. This region regulates
essential functions such as blood pressure, breathing, heart rhythms, and swallowing.

The cerebellum
The cerebellum is located beneath the temporal and occipital lobes and above the
brainstem. The cerebrum is responsible for regulating voluntary motor function,
coordination, and balance.

The diencephalon
The diencephalon includes the thalamus and hypothalamus. The thalamus is a relay center
for sensory data, whereas the hypothalamus transmits hormonal signals to the body through
the pituitary gland.

The spinal cord


The spinal cord is a long tube-like structure that extends from the brain. The spinal cord can
be classified into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar areas located in the neck, chest, and lower
back.

Neurons
The neuron, the basic unit of the nervous system, is a specialized conductor cell that
receives and transmits electrochemical nerve impulses between the brain and the rest of the
nervous system.

The PNS
The PNS consists of both the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. Taken together,
these systems transmit information from different areas of the body to the brain and ensure
that signals sent from the brain are transmitted to other areas of the body.

The somatic nervous system


The somatic nervous system (SNS) consists of peripheral nerve fibers that carry sensory
information or sensations from peripheral organs to the CNS. The SNS also includes motor
nerve fibers that exit the brain to carry commands for movement to the skeletal muscles.

For example, upon touching a hot object, sensory nerves carry information about the heat to
the brain. Subsequently, the brain, through motor nerves, commands the hand muscles to
withdraw it immediately. This process takes less than one second to complete. The neural
cell body that carries this information often lies within the brain or spinal cord and projects
directly to a skeletal muscle.

The autonomic nervous system


The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the nerves of the body's inner organs that
cannot be controlled consciously. The ANS can be further subdivided into the sympathetic,
parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems. Some of the different activities controlled by
the ANS include the heartbeat, digestion, subconscious breathing, blood pressure, and
sexual arousal.

You might also like