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1. Nervous System

The document outlines the structure and functions of the nervous system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, and their subdivisions: somatic and autonomic systems. It explains the roles of neurons, types of neurons, and the process of neural transmission, including the significance of neurotransmitters. Additionally, it includes review questions and tasks for students to reinforce their understanding of the material.

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sharafielika
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4 views36 pages

1. Nervous System

The document outlines the structure and functions of the nervous system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, and their subdivisions: somatic and autonomic systems. It explains the roles of neurons, types of neurons, and the process of neural transmission, including the significance of neurotransmitters. Additionally, it includes review questions and tasks for students to reinforce their understanding of the material.

Uploaded by

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

System
Biological Psychology - Year 11 ATAR
Do Now
1. Grab your note-taking device/supplies out

2. With the person next to you, or individually


answer the following questions

a. What is the independent variable?


b. What is quantitative data?
c. Name three ethical guidelines that must be
following in psychological research.
Lesson Objectives

• Describe the structure of the central and peripheral nervous


system
• Explain the roles of the autonomic and somatic nervous system
• Differentiate between the functions of the autonomic
(sympathetic and parasympathetic) and somatic nervous
systems
• Describe the roles of the central nervous system components,
including the brain and spinal cord
Syllabus Points
Structural
Organisation of the
Nervous System
The Nervous System
Nervous system: the
system that produces and
relays messages between
the brain, spinal cord and a
network of neurons
The Nervous System
Central Nervous System (CNS) - part of the
nervous system made up of the brain and spinal
cord. Carries sensory information up the spinal cord to
the brain via sensory neurons. Carries motor messages
to the PNS via motor neurons.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) - made up of all


the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. PNS
carries sensory information to the CNS from the body.
PNS carries motor messages from the brain to organs
and muscles.
Key Functions of the CNS
1.Input - To receive information

2.Processing - To
integrate/interpret that
information based on past
experiences

3.Output - Guide actions.


Key Functions of the PNS
• Made up of our muscles, organs and glands.

• Consists of all the neurons outside of the CNS.

• Relay information to the CNS

• Carry motor information from the CNS to the


muscles and organs via the spinal cord.
Somatic and Autonomic NS
Somatic nervous system - nerves that control
voluntary movement through its control of skeletal
muscles. Receives motor messages from the CNS and
transports them to skeletal muscles in specific body
regions.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) - contains nerves


that are connected to the CNS and the involuntary
muscles that control the activity level of our internal
organs/glands. By relaying messages between the CNS
and the internal systems, the ANS controls the body’s
internal activities that are essential to survival (includes,
heart rate, digestion, kidney function etc).
Functions of the divisions of the
Somatic NS
• Sensory (function) - transmits sensory information from the body to the CNS via the spinal cord
• Motor (function) - sends motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles, glands or organs
for voluntary movement
Functions of the divisions of the
ANS
Sympathetic nervous system - regulates the glands and internal organ function and physically
prepare the body during heightened arousal. Fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic nervous system - Calms the body after being under control of the sympathetic
nervous system. Controls the rest and digest response. Returns the body to normal function
(homeostasis).
Functions of the divisions of the
ANS
Features of Neurons
Neurons
• Neurons are specialised cells
located in the CNS and PNS
• They are cells that receive,
transmit and process
information
• There are billions of these cells,
each with synaptic connections
to more neurons. These
connections allow for messages
to be passed along throughout
the body.

Draw a neuron similar to the


one on this slide in your notes.
Be ready to annotate your
diagram.
Neurons
Features of a Neuron
Cell body (soma) - contains a nucleus that controls the activities of the neuron.

Dendrites - extensions of the cell body that receive neurotransmitters from pre-synaptic neurons
and covert them into electrical chemical impulses that are conducted toward the cell body.

Axon - the long projection of a neuron that conducts electrical nerve impulses and carries them away
from the cell body.

Axon terminals - the enlarged end points of axon branches that store neurotransmitters and release
them into the synaptic cleft.

Myelin sheath - fatty covering of the axon that acts as an insulator protecting the axon from stimuli
that could interfere with transmission. Also assists with speed of the electrical impulses.
Functions of sensory, motor and
interneurons
Sensory neurons: receives sensory information from the sense organs/environment and carry the
sensory messages to the spinal cord and brain (CNS).
Motor neurons: communicates information from the CNS to muscles, allowing movement.
Interneurons: act as the connection between sensory neurons and motor neurons. Activated when
sensory neurons receive intense sensory information. Coordinates the reflex arc.
Differences between neurons
• Sensory neurons
• Carry nerve impulses from a receptor to the CNS
• Have long dendrites and short axons

• Motor neurons
• Carry nerve impulses from the CNS to an effector (muscle or glad)
• Have short dendrites and long axons

• Interneurons
• Found completely within the CNS
• Provide link within the CNS between sensory and motor neurons
• Have short dendrites and long or short axons.
Types of Neurons according to
structure
Neurons can also be categorized by the number of
processes (sending or receiving information) extending
from the cell body.

• Unipolar – neurons have one axon

• Bipolar – neurons have an axon and one dendrite


extending from the cell body toward opposite poles.

• Multipolar – neurons have multiple dendrites and a


single axon.
Neural Tranmission
Nerve Impulses
• Neurons form neural networks when
axons from one neuron link with the
dendrites of another neuron
• A nerve impulse is the message
(electrochemical signal) that travels
along the nerve fibre.
• They are transmitted very quickly, making it
possible for the body to respond to any
change.
• Describe as an electrochemical change
because it involves a change in
electrochemical signal within the neuron
and neurotransmitters are the chemical
component of the signal.
⚬ Also known as action potential, travels in
one direction only, from dendrites along the
axon.
Nerve Impulses
Nerve Impulses
Neural Transmission
Neural Transmission
Summary
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters – beyond syllabus
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals between neurons, muscles and glands. They are
essential for many bodily functions.

3 main types:

• Excitatory --> increase the likelihood that an action potential is initiated, stimulating the neuron
• Example – Adrenaline.

• Inhibitory – decreases the likelihood of generating an action potential, inhibiting neural


transmission
• Example – serotonin, GABA

• Modulatory – affect many neurons at the same time, as well as influencing the degree on
inhibition or excitation of other neurotransmitters
• Example – dopamine, serotonin
Serotonin
Dopamine
Review Questions:
1.Which part of a neuron is responsible for receiving information
from other neurons?
2.Which part of of a neuron releases neurotransmitters?
3.Explain how damage to the myelin sheath will affect neural
transmission?
4.What are neurotransmitters and what role do they play in neural
transmission of information aorund the body?
5.Explain the function of axons and dendrites in the transmission of
information around the body?
6.Explain the role of myelin in neural transmission?
To Do:
Construct a diagram to illustrate your understanding of the structure
and the function of each component of the human nervous system.

Make sure that you include:

• The central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, somatic


nervous system, autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and
parasympathetic)
• The role of each system (you can use dot points).
• Use pictures or diagrams/annotations to help show your
understanding
Exit Ticket - Homework
Questions:
1.What is the role of the spinal cord?
2.How does the sympathetic nervous system respond to stress?
3.Why is it important to distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic
responses?
4.How does knowing the structure of the nervous system help us understand human
behaviour?
5.What is the role of the myelin sheath?
6.Why is the myelin sheath critical in efficient brain communication, and how could it
affect behaviour?
7.Name one neurotransmitter and its effect.

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