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Nervous System Reviewer

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8 views

Nervous System Reviewer

Uploaded by

kennethbekami
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Nervous System Reviewer

Overview

The nervous system is the body's control and communication system. It processes sensory
information, coordinates body functions, and facilitates responses to internal and external
stimuli.

Divisions of the Nervous System

1. Central Nervous System (CNS):


○ Brain: The control center for thoughts, emotions, movement, and sensory
processing.
■ Cerebrum: Handles voluntary actions, reasoning, memory, and sensory
interpretation.
■ Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance.
■ Brainstem: Controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and breathing.
○ Spinal Cord: Transmits signals between the brain and the body; responsible for
reflex actions.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
○ Composed of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
○ Subdivisions:
■ Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements and relays
sensory information.
■ Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary functions.
■ Sympathetic Division: "Fight or flight" response.
■ Parasympathetic Division: "Rest and digest" response.

Key Components

1. Neurons:
○ Basic functional units of the nervous system.
○ Types:
■ Sensory Neurons: Carry information from sensory organs to the CNS.
■ Motor Neurons: Transmit commands from the CNS to muscles and
glands.
■ Interneurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS.
2. Glial Cells:
○ Support, protect, and nourish neurons.
3. Nerves:
○ Bundles of axons that transmit signals.

How Signals Travel

1. Stimulus: Detected by sensory receptors.


2. Electrical Signal: Generated and travels along a neuron.
3. Synapse: Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters transmit the signal.
4. Response: The signal reaches an effector (muscle or gland) to trigger a response.

Functions of the Nervous System

1. Sensory Input: Detects changes in the environment.


2. Integration: Processes and interprets sensory input.
3. Motor Output: Sends commands to muscles and glands for action.

Common Disorders

● Alzheimer’s Disease: Progressive loss of memory and cognitive function.


● Parkinson’s Disease: Affects movement and coordination.
● Epilepsy: Seizure-causing neurological disorder.
● Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves.

Quick Facts

● The brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons.


● Neurons communicate at speeds up to 120 meters/second.
● The spinal cord is about 18 inches long in adults.

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