Introduction to the Nervous System

Introduction to Nervous System 11/20-11/23/2020

Students will be able to : 

1. diagram the three major components of the N.S. that function in a feedback loop. 

2. discuss how input effects output.

 3. describe the characteristics of the brain and spinal cord. 

4. locate the major areas of the CNS and associate major functions to those areas. 

5. list and problem solve common injuries to the CNS. 

6. draw and identify how the PNS communicates with the CNS and discuss the importance of reflex arcs.

CNS - Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is composed of the brain and the spinal cord.

The brain is the main communication organ of the body.

The Peripheral Nervous System: Afferent

The pathways that carry messages TO the brain are known as the afferent pathway. 

The afferent pathway ALWAYS goes TO the brain. Afferent pathways carry messages from the five senses*, therefore these pathways are known as Sensory Pathways.

The Peripheral Nervous System: The efferent pathway

The efferent pathway is referred to as the motor pathway and ALWAYS carries the message AWAY from the CNS. 

This pathway is the OUTPUT pathway. The sensory monitors the output and instantly reports to the brain the result of the output. 

Somatic Motor: Voluntary movements

This incorporates the cerebellum of the CNS and skeletal muscles. These movements are made using conscious thinking.

Autonomic Motor: Involuntary movements (Autonomic Nervous System)

This incorporates the midbrain, cerebellum, and brain stem. These output pathways affect smooth muscles, sphincter muscles of the blood vessels and gastrointestinal system, and cardiac muscle.

Multiple Choice

The main function of the nervous system is

• to transport materials through the body

• to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide

• to break apart your food so you can absorb the nutrients/macromolecules in it

• to control and coordinate all the body systems

Multiple Choice

The ____ nervous system controls unconscious activities.

• somatic
• sympathetic
• parasympathetic
• autonomic

Multiple Choice

What is included in the anatomy of the CNS?

• Brain & Spinal Cord
• Brain & Eyes
• Spinal Cord & Peripheral Nerves
• Brain & Peripheral Nerves

Multiple Choice

The nerve cell that transmits impulses from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle or gland.

• Motor Neuron
• Relay Neuron
• Sensory Neuron

Multiple Choice

The nerve cell that carries impulses from a sense receptor to the brain or spinal cord is a _____________.

• Motor Neuron
• Sensory Neuron
• Relay Neuron