Understanding the Nervous System

Axon

Neuron

Dendrite

Synapse

Axon

Cell body

Dendrites

Myelin sheath

To receive signals from other neurons

To generate electrical signals

To speed up the transmission of electrical signals

To connect two neurons together

Electrical signals are converted into chemical signals

Chemical signals are converted into electrical signals

Neurons physically connect with each other

Myelin sheath is formed

Central nervous system

Peripheral nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

Somatic nervous system

To process information

To connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body

To protect the brain and spinal cord

To generate thoughts and emotions

Motor neurons

Sensory neurons

Interneurons

Axons

To carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands

To process information in the brain

To carry signals from sensory organs to the CNS

To insulate neuron axons

By releasing hormones into the bloodstream

By generating electrical signals in response to stimuli

By physically moving towards the central nervous system

By increasing the temperature of the body

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, while the autonomic controls involuntary actions.

The autonomic nervous system is part of the central nervous system, while the somatic is not.

The somatic nervous system controls the brain, while the autonomic controls the spinal cord.

There is no significant difference; they are just two terms for the same system.