Nervous System

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What are the small cells in our body that relay and send information?

The nervous system is the system of the body that carries information to all parts of the body. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and neurons that work together to help control other organ systems in the body.

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Nervous System

Imagine you are walking and you trip over something in your path. How does your body react?

You may stumble but catch yourself before you fall, such as the person above. Or, in an instant where maybe you do fall, you will hopefully react by putting out your arms to stop yourself from landing face first.

Is that it?

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Quick Responses

• senses your surroundings;

• senses the environment inside of your body;

• controls your internal body systems;

• prepares your body to react in an emergency

• allows you to use language, think, learn, and remember.

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What else?

Open Ended

How does information travel through the body? (Think about senses, nerves, etc.)

Nerves: bundles of neurons
Spinal Cord: bundle of nerves that run along of the backbone
Brain: the main control center in an animal body

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​Nervous System Structure

If you have ever eaten something spicy, such as a chili pepper, you may describe the taste as “hot.” However, the sensation you feel is not actually related to taste senses. The reaction to spiciness is actually connected to how the body responds to extreme heat. The capsaicin triggers the neurons around the face and sends a signal that the brain interprets as heat. This is why spicy foods will often trigger sweating.

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Why Is It Spicy?

Open Ended

You stub your toe on the door. Your toe fees like it's going to fall off. How is your nervous system involved in this situation?