Biology - Chapter 1 Lesson 5

What is the nervous system made of?

The structures that control the actions and reactions of the body in response to stimuli from the environment.

Two parts of the nervous system

The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)

CNS

Made up of the brain and the spinal cord

Brain

The body’s central command organ

Spinal cord

Allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body

PNS

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body, and is made up of sensory and motor nerves.

A: Cerebrum, B: Cerebellum, C: Brain Stem

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain which stores memories, performs voluntary movements and allows you to sense and think.

Cerebellum

Keeps track of position and coordinates movement

Brain stem

Connects your brain to your spinal cord

Medulla

Part of the brain stem that controls involuntary processes, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and breathing.

What is the spinal cord made up of?

A bundle of nerves

Nerve

A collection of nerve cell extensions bundled together with blood vessels and connective tissue.

Vertebrae

Protective bones that surround the spinal cord

Sensory nerves

Gather information from in and around the body and send signals through the spinal cord to the brain

Motor nerves

Move signals from brain and spinal cord to the other part of the body

Neuron

A nerve call that moves massages in the form of fast-moving energy

Impulse

Electrical massages moved by neurons

Glial cells

Help the neuron work properly by protecting and supporting.

Dendrite