A complex collection of nerves and specialized cells known a
The Nervous System
A complex collection of nerves and specialized cells known as neurons that transmit signals between different parts of the body. Structurally this is broken down to two parts: The Central Nervous System(CNS) and The Peripheral Nervous System.
The Brain
The nervous tissue contained in the cranium
There are 12 cranial nerves connected to the brain
Rosalina Iosia
Somatic Nervous System
This system is made up of nerves that connect to the skin, sensory organs and all skeletal muscles. Its responsible for all voluntary muscle contractions and sensory information processing.
Peripheral Nervous System
Central Nervous System
Consists of all nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Its primary role is to connect the CNS to organs, limbs, and skin. This system is also divided into two parts: Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System(ANS).
Consists of the Brain and Spinal cord. It controls thought processes, guides movement, and registers sensations throughout the body.
Autonomic Nervous System
It's responsible for regulating involuntary body functions such as heartbeat, blood flow, breathing and digestion. This system is further divided into two divisions: the sympathetic system and the parasympathetic system.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Fight or Flight Response
Neurons
Motivates our response to stress. It increases heart rate and respiration rate, and delivers more blood to skeletal muscles.
Basic functional unit
Each neuron has two types of fiber extending from the cell body:
Dendrite- Carries impulses toward the cell body
Axon- Carries impulses away from the cell body
Types of Neurons
The Spinal Cord
Sensory Neuron (afferent neuron)- Carries information from the nerves to the CNS.
Motor Neuron (efferent neuron)- Carries information from the Brain and Spinal cord to muscle fibers throughout the body
Interneurons- Connecting cells within the neuron.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
The main pathway conneting the Brain and the
peripheral nervous system.
It extends from the medulla oblongata to between the first and second lumbar vertebrae.
Reverses the response to stress and restores homeostasis. It slows heart rate and respiration rate and stimulates digestive, urinary, and reproductive activities.
Connected to 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
Each of those nerves is connected by two roots:
Dorsal (posterior)- Carries sensory impulses into the cord
Ventral (anterior)- Carries motor impulses away from the cord and out towards a muscle or gland.