1. The Nervous System

2. The Brain

3. Function of the Nervous System
1. Regulates behavior
2. Maintains homeostasis;
3. Regulates the other organ systems
4. Controls sensory and motor functions

4. Central Nervous System Vs. Peripheral Nervous System
Brain
Spinal Cord
Peripheral Nervous System
Sensory neurons - running from stimulus receptors that inform the CNS of the stimuli
Motor neurons - running from the CNS to the muscles and glands - called effectors - that take action.

5. Major Parts of the Brain
Cerebrum – controls conscious activities, intelligence, memory, language, skeletal muscle movements, and senses
Cerebellum – controls balance, posture and coordination
Brainstem - Medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain – controls involuntary activities such as breathing and heart rate.

6. Cerebrum
The brain is the only part of the body that does not have pain receptors.

7. Parts and Function of a Nerve Cell
Cell Body (soma) - contains nucleus Dendrites - branch-like extensions that receive impulses and carry them to the cell body Axon - extension of the neuron – carries impulses away from the cell body and towards other neurons AxonTerminals - connects to muscle, gland or another neuron, releases a chemical message (neurotransmitter)

8. Neuron

9. Diseases of the Nervous System
Cerebral Palsy – caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age.  Most common symptoms are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a “scissored” gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy. Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but treatment will often improve a child's capabilities.

10. Epilepsy – Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Epilepsy is a disorder with many possible causes. Can be treated with various types of medication.

11. Parkinson’s Disease – affects nerve cells, or neurons, in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Neurons that make a chemical called dopamine die or do not work properly. Dopamine normally sends signals that help coordinate your movements. No one knows what damages these cells. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease may include; Trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face, stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk, slowness of movement, poor balance and coordination. As symptoms get worse, people with the disease may have trouble walking, talking or doing simple tasks. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep problems or trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking.