What is the Nervous System?  The Nervous System is a network of specialized cells called neurons that send messages to and from the brain.  Without your Nervous System, you could not see, hear, smell, taste, touch, move, think, or dream! Aren’t you glad you have one? The brain is the major organ of the Nervous System.

Sleeping… ZZZZZZ…  Without your Nervous System, you could not sleep.  Did you know that there are five stages of sleep? They are the Twilight Zone (I & II), Deep Sleep (III & IV), & the REM Sleep (V).

THE TWILILGHT ZONE!  This is the stage of sleep where you’re not really asleep yet, you’re just drifting off & can be easily awakened. Ever fallen asleep in class? You were probably only in stage I or II, the Twilight Zone.

Deep… Sleeeep…  Your muscles are relaxed, your blood pressure and heartbeat slow down… Stages III and IV are the stages of sleep that is vital to our bodies.

REM Sleep You’re in an incredibly vivid dream. You’re running in the field with your sister. It’s so real, you think you’re actually there. What is this? REM Sleep! REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. You’re brain is busy, but most of your muscles are paralyzed when you’re in REM.

Our Brain!  Our Brain is the main organ of the Nervous System.  It is more advanced than today’s newest computers, and there are still aspects of it that scientists don’t understand.  It sends messages to the rest of your body so you can move and talk.

What does a nerve do?  The nerve itself is made of cells or neurons.  The design of the nerve depends on its job.

Nerves…again!  Nerves use electrochemical signals to send messages. (It’s like your body’s natural electricity!)  They also help to protect you. For example, if you’re about to fall, your body sends a message to your brain & you are aware that you’re falling.  The process of balance inside your body that your nerves help to restore is called Homeostasis.

Thanks for watching! Ba-bam!

Questions?