Structures and Functions of the Nervous System
The nervous system controls body activities and perceives and reacts to internal and external stimuli. The nervous system directs all muscular activities, controls learning and memory, and regulates vital processes such as digestion, circulation, and respiration.
The nervous system is composed of two main divisions, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
The brain is the main site of nervous control and is divided into three main parts: the medulla oblongata, the cerebellum, and the cerebrum.
The spinal cord is a continuation of the medulla oblongata and is located in the center of the vertebral column. The spinal cord is the major line through which impulses or messages are transmitted to and from the brain to a variety of body parts.
The medulla oblongata or brain stem controls reflex actions such as breathing, swallowing, coughing, and blinking of eyelids.
The cerebellum is the part of the brain that regulates balance and movement through impulses received from the eyes, ears, muscles, joints, and skin.
The cerebrum is the largest and most active part of the brain. It is the decision making center of the brain and controls memory, sight, hearing, smelling, and voluntary muscle contractions.
The peripheral nervous system includes all nerve structures beyond the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that transmit messages from all over the body to and from the central nervous system.
The peripheral nervous system includes 12 cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls activities that are not consciously controlled, such as functions of the heart, stomach, intestines, and bladder. peripheral nervous system peripheral nervous system
As a group of 2-3 students make an infomercial about the structures and functions of the nervous system.
Learning Check 1. Name the three main parts of the brain. 2. What is a joint? 3. Where is cardiac muscle found? 4. Name three types of synovial joints.