Nervous System A large system of nerves: the network of nerve cells and nerve fibers that conveys sensations

to the brain and motor impulses to organs and muscles 3 Basic Functions of the Nervous System: - Receives sensory input - Integrate the input - Respond to stimuli Two main divisions of the Nervous System 1.Central Nervous System (CNS) - brain spinal cord 2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Somatic System - Autonomic System Two Main Cell Types 1. Glial cells - They are non-neuronal cells that are direct in contact with neurons Provide support and protection the neurons Also known as supporting cells and neuroglia(nerve glue) 4 Main functions: 1. Hold the neuron in place 2. Supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons 3. Insulate one neuron from another 4. Destroy and remove dead neurons The Neuron Also known as the Nerve cell The basic and functional unit of the Nervous System 3 parts of The Neuron: Body Cyton. The central portion with a nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane Dendrites Short branches whose function is to receive impulses and carry them towards the cell body Axon Elongated strands with end brush. It carries messages away from the cell body Also covered by a myelin sheath which serves as insulators and covered by schwann cells Structure of a typical neuron 3 Classifications of Neurons

Sensory Neurons Transmit messages from the sense organ toward the brain/CNS

Motor Neurons Carry messages away from the brain Inter-Neurons Carry messages within the brain or CNS

2 Characteristics of Neurons:

Irritability ability of neurons to react to external stimulations Conductivity ability of neurons to transmit nerve impulses up to the end of the nerve
fiber. Transmission of Nerve Impulses

Stimulus refers to anything that excites or initiates an activity. Nerve impulses electrical signals Synapse functional junction of a neuron Synaptic vesicle gap/space between 2 neurons. Measures Approx. 20 nanometers

Laws governing the Neuron

All or Nothing Law either neuron reacts or not at all Law of Dynamic Polarity Nerve impulses travel only in one direction from neuron to
neuron CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM Two Divisions: 1. Brain 2. Spinal cord 1. BRAIN The brain is the control center of the body. The brain acts as an operator by sending messages from all over the body to their proper destination. The brain is one of the largest and most important organs of the human body. Weighing in at about three pounds, this organ has a wide range of responsibilities. From coordinating our movement to managing our emotions, the brain does it all. The brain is made up of three main divisions:

Forebrain - the most complex of the three divisions. It gives us the ability to "feel," learn,
and remember. It consists of 3 parts a. Cerebrum largest part of the brain. Considered as the Seat of Consciousness It is responsible for thinking, reasoning, memory and understanding It consists of Right and Left cerebral hemispheres and each sphere is subdivided into 4 lobes:

Frontal lobe: Brocas area for speech Prefrontal lobe: morals, emotions and judgement Parietal Lobe: Interpretation of pain, touch, temp, pressure Temporal Lobe: Auditory center Wernickes area for sensory and speech Occipital Lobe: Visual area

b. The thalamus acts as a telephone line of sorts, allowing information to get through to the
cerebral cortex.

c. The hypothalamus is important for regulating hormones, hunger, thirst, sleep, body
temperature, sexual drives and emotional behaviors It is considered as the Seat of emotion.

Midbrain -Serves as the bridge between hindbrain and forebrain.

Responsible for linking the sensory and motor pathways between the lower parts of the nervous system

Hindbrain It makes up the lower portion of the brainstem and consists of three units. 1. Medulla oblongata controls involuntary functions such as digestion and breathing. It
contains the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting and centers 2. Pons contain the respiratory centers and regulates breathing 3. Cerebellum - known as the little brain. It is responsible for the coordination of voluntary movements, maintains balance and posture 2. SPINAL CORD A long stem-like structure running down the vertebral column. Known as the Center of reflex reactions. It is composed of nerves that lead to and from the brain 2 main functions: 1. Provide connector mechanisms for reflex reactions 2. Carries sensory information to and motor information from the brain 5 Regions of Spinal Cord: 1. Cervical region 2. Thoracic region 3. Lumbar region 4. Sacral region 5. Coccygeal region Two kinds of Reflexes

Monosynaptic reflex (simple reflex) takes place due to direct connection of sensory and motor neuron without the aid of interneurons. Consists of only one synapse. Ex. Knee-jerk reflex

Polysynaptic reflex (complex reflex) involves many synapses in a several countless interneurons. Ex. Blinked due to loud noise.

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM Major Divisions of PNS

1. Somatic Nervous System responsible for voluntary skeletal movements

Covers 12 pairs of Cranial nerves and 31 pairs of Spinal nerves. These nerves resemble the telephone cables that are scattered all over the body. These nerves make it possible for the brain and spinal cord to communicate

Two subdivisions of Somatic Nervous System: A. 12 pairs of Cranial Nerves Oh, Oh, Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet AH. a. Olfactory smell b. Optic Vision c. Oculomotor eye movements d. Trochlear eye movements e. Trigeminal - chewing face & mouth touch & pain f. Abducens eye movements g. Facial - controls most facial expressions secretion of tears & saliva taste h. Vestibulocochlear - hearing, equilibrium sensation i. Glossopharyngeal - taste j. Vagus - Neck,thorax and abdominal mixed nerves k. Accessory - Pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles controls swallowing movements l. Hypoglossal - controls tongue movements B. 31 PAIRS OF SPINAL NERVES Cervical (Neck) 8 pairs Thoracic region 12 pairs Lumbar region 5 pairs Sacral region 5 pairs Coccygeal region 1 pair 2. Autonomic Nervous System

Responsible for all involuntary movements within the body Composed of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems

Two subdivisions of Autonomic Nervous System

a. Sympathetic System Covers the activities of internal organs within the thoracic-lumbar region Activates/Speeds up life activities fight or flight

b. Parasympathetic System Covers the cranial and sacral regions Slows down life activities Digestion & Relaxation