The Nervous System

Front

What is the nervous system?

Back

It is a system where the information highway controls everything you do.

Front

Name the two main systems the nervous system is divided into?

Back

The central nervous system: CNS which is composed of two major parts, the brain and the spinal chord.

The peripheral nervous system: PNS which is composed of the nerves throughout the body.

Front

What is the brain?

Back

The brain is the center of the nervous system. It is the most complex organ in the body and is the central computer that controls all the functions.

It sends and receives messages from all parts of the body.

The brain is made up of millions of nerve cells and nerve fibres. It has 3 special parts

Front

What is the cerebrum?

Back

It is the largest part of the brain and it controls the senses, the imagination and thoughts.

Front

What is the cerebellum?

Back

The smallest part of the brain, also known as the little brain. It is located at the back of the brain.

It controls movements, helps to maintain balance, posture and co-ordinates the working of the muscles. The cerebellum also gives us the ability to learn new things.

Front

What is the brain stem?

Back

It connects the rest of the brain to the spinal chord. It keeps on working day and night whether we are asleep or awake.

The brain stem helps with involuntary movement such as controlling heartbeats, digestion and breathing which happens automatically in the body.

Front

The spinal chord, what is it?

Back

It links the brain with the rest of the body. It continues from the brain stem downwards along the back of the body inside the backbone.

The spinal cord is like a cable through which messages travel up and down the body.

It is made up of long bundles of nerve cells and nerve fibres inside the spinal column.

Automatic actions in the body are controlled by the spinal cord.

Front

What is the PNS or the Peripheral Nervous System?

Back

It connects the the spinal cord to the muscles and sensory receptors. These nerves are made of specialized cells called neurons.

Sensory nerves - carry impulses to the brain and spinal cord from the sense organs.

That's how we are able to see, hear, smell and feel.

Motor nerves - when nerves send messages from the brain and spinal cord to muscles or glands of the body are called motor nerves.

These help you decide what action to take. Ex. When you touch a hot surface the spinal cord sends a message to the brain, and the brain tells you the object is hot remove.

Reflex action - this is when you instantly pull away.

Front

Rate of breathing is controlled by

Back

Brain stem

Front

Kicking a football is controlled by

Back

the cerebellum