NERVOUS SYSTEM

ORGAN SYSTEM
Nervous and Endocrine System control and
coordinate the activities of all parts of the body.

Nervous enables the body to gather information and

respond quickly.
Endocrine produces slower, longer-lasting responses.

TWO MAIN DIVISION :

1. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) which consists
of the brain and the spinal cord, is the main control
center of the body.
- it processes information and sends instructions
to other parts of the body.

2. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS) which is

made up of nerves that extend throughout the body,
gathers and delivers information to and from the central
nervous system.
NEURONS
- is the basic functional unit of the nervous system.
- consists of a cell body and two types of fiberlike
structures.
* Dendrites which receive and carry information
toward the cell body.
* Axon which carries nerve impulses away from the
cell body.
Note: The axons and the Dendrites are collectively called as
Nerve Fibers. Nerve fibers are bundled into structures
called Nerves.

Classification of Neurons Accdg to function:

1. Sensory neurons conduct nerve impulses toward the
central nervous system.
2. Motor Neurons conduct impulses away from the CNS.
3. Interneurons conduct impulses within the CNS.
 Glial Cells or Neuroglia special connective tissue cells
of the NS. It protect, mechanically support and assist the
neurons. Ninety percent of the cells of the NS are glia
cells which include Schwann and Astrocytes.

Schwann cells numerous in the peripheral NS.

Astrocytes numerous in the CNS.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

- command center for the entire body.
- Information gathered by sensory receptors is
delivered to and processed by the CNS.
- It responded by sending nerve impulses to the motor
nerves of the PNS.
Parts of CNS:
1. Spinal Cord it links the brain w/ the spinal nerves.
It is made up of neurons, glial cells and blood vessels.
 2. Brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons and
900 neuroglia.
coordinator, director and master of all human
activities.

Parts :

a. Brain stem connects the spinal cord to the rest of the

brain. It coordinates many survival functions of the
body such as breathing, heart rate, sleep ad
wakefulness.
Thalamus serves as relay station by directing
incoming messages from the spinal cord to the
appropriate parts of the brain.
Hypothalamus linked to the endocrine system,
monitors internal conditions, such as water
content and temperature.
b. Cerebellum second largest part of the brain.
It coordinates muscle activities and enables the body
to make smooth and efficient movements.
Balance, equilibrium and posture are made possible
by the cerebellum.

c. Cerebrum largest portion of the brain, forming about

85% of the human brain.

Cerebral cortex
1. Sensory areas receive incoming
information
2. Motor areas control voluntary muscle
movements
3. Association areas coordinate complex
activities such as speech and memory.