1. Your Nervous System The nervous system is the body’s control and communication center of the body. It’s job is to send and receive messages. Your nervous system controls all of your thoughts and movements. As you read these words, cells in your eyes send electrical messages to your brain, your nervous system’s command center. Your brain interprets those messages so they make sense to you.

2. The Work Of Neurons The cells that make up the nervous system are called neurons. Long, stringy neurons are perfect for carrying the electrical messages that are the “language” of the nervous system. There are three different kinds of neurons that perform three different jobs.

3. The Three Kinds Of Neurons 1.Sensory neurons, such as the ones in your skin, ears, and eyes, receive information from the outside world. Their job is to pass on this information. 2.Motor neurons are responsible for sending messages to the muscles and glands. 3.Connecting neurons relay messages between the sensory neurons and the motor neurons.

4. Structure Of The Nervous System The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS is made up of nerves that branch out from the CNS.

5. The Spinal Cord & The Brain The spinal cord is a tube of neurons that runs up the spine. Information from the PNS goes to the spinal cord. Some messages are processed there. Most, however, are sent to the brain. The brain is the body’s main information center, made up of billions of neurons. The brain helps the body respond to the information it receives from the senses. The brain also processes thoughts. When you think, neurons in your brain are working.

6. Parts Of The Brain The brain has three main parts. The largest part is the cerebrum, which controls vision, touch, and other senses. It also handles movements you have control over. Thinking takes place mainly in the cerebrum. The cerebellum helps control balance and coordination. The brain stem controls digestion, breathing, and heartbeat- all autonomic functions.

7. Keeping Your Nervous System Healthy The following are some lifestyle choices you can make to keep your nervous system healthy: Get enough sleep Eat plenty of healthy foods Avoid alcohol and other drugs Exercise Have regular medical checkups

8. Avoiding Head & Spinal Cord Injuries Another very important way to keep your nervous system healthy is to prevent head and spinal cord injuries. These injuries are serious because they often damage or destroy neurons. Unlike many other cells, neurons do not grow back once they die. Head injuries can cause brain damage and even death. A blow to the head or spinal cord may result in paralysis- a loss of feeling or movement in a part of the body.

9. Avoiding Head & Spinal Cord Injuries (cont.) So, how can you avoid these types of dreaded injuries? Wear a helmet Wear seat belts Follow safety rules and use common sense Lift objects properly Avoid alcohol and other drugs