Nervous System Overview

Central nervous system (CNS) includes these parts.

• Brain and spinal cord of dorsal body cavity.

• Heart and lungs of thoracic cavity.

• Liver and kidneys of abdominal cavity.

• Stomach and intestines of digestive system.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS) has two functional divisions.

• Sensory (afferent) division and Motor (efferent) division.

• Autonomic division and Somatic division.

• Central division and Peripheral division.

• Sympathetic division and Parasympathetic division.

The nervous system is the rapid communication and command system of the body.

• The nervous system is responsible for digestion and metabolism.

• The nervous system coordinates actions and reactions by transmitting signals throughout the body.

• The nervous system primarily regulates blood circulation.

• The nervous system is involved in the production of hormones.

Role of myelin sheath

• Speeds up neural impulses along the axon.

• Increases the size of the neuron.

• Transmits signals between different neurons.

• Protects the neuron from damage.

Action potential's role

• Transmits electrical signals between neurons.

• Carries a message along a nerve cell.

• Inhibits neurotransmitter release.

• Regulates blood flow in the brain.

Dendrites' role in communication

• Transmit outgoing messages to other cells.

• Receive incoming messages from other cells.

• Generate electrical impulses for communication.

• Protect the cell body from damage.

Nervous system is divided into two principal parts.

• Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system.

• Autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system.

• Sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system.

• Cerebral cortex and spinal cord.

Function of neuroglia

• Neuroglia primarily function to support, protect, and nourish neurons.

• Neuroglia are responsible for transmitting electrical signals in the brain.

• Neuroglia are involved in the production of neurotransmitters.

• Neuroglia primarily function to form the blood-brain barrier.

Role of the CNS in sensory input.

• Processes sensory information and generates emotions.

• Interprets sensory input and dictates motor output.

• Regulates body temperature and metabolism.

• Transmits signals to the peripheral nervous system.

Spinal nerves

• Nerves that go to and from the spinal cord.

• Nerves that only go to the brain.

• Nerves that connect muscles to bones.

• Nerves that transmit signals only in one direction.