Exploring the Nervous System for 9th Grade

What is the primary function of the Nervous System?

It serves as the body's communication and control center, helping to sense, process, and respond to the world.

What are the two main parts of the Nervous System?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the role of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

It connects the CNS to muscles, organs, and skin through a network of nerves.

What are the three layers of connective tissue that protect the brain?

Dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater.

What is the function of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)?

CSF cushions the brain, protects it from injury, and helps maintain its health by blocking germs.

What is the largest part of the brain?

The cerebrum.

What connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum?

The corpus callosum.

What are the main functions of the thalamus?

It relays sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex for processing and sorting.

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

It regulates autonomic processes like body temperature, metabolism, and controls hormones released by the pituitary gland.

What are the three regions of the brain stem?

Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

What is the function of the pons?

It links the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and is involved in the central control of breathing.

What does the medulla oblongata control?

It controls blood pressure, heart rate, swallowing, and coughing.

What are the four lobes of the brain and their main functions?

Frontal Lobe (thinking, planning, moving, personality), Parietal Lobe (touch, pain, temperature, body awareness), Temporal Lobe (hearing, memory, understanding language), Occipital Lobe (seeing and processing visual information).

What is the function of the cerebellum?

It helps coordinate movements and maintain balance.

What is the structure of the spinal cord?

A long, tube-like bundle of nerves that runs from the brainstem down the back, protected by vertebrae.

What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

Acts as a communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body, carrying messages to and from the brain.

What are neurons?

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system that send messages.

What are the key parts of a neuron?

Cell body, dendrites, axon, synapse, and myelin sheath.

How do neurons communicate?

They send electrical and chemical signals, with messages traveling from dendrites to the cell body and then to the axon.

What are some disorders that can affect the nervous system?

Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Parkinson's Disease.

What are some ways to protect your nervous system?

Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, protect your head, and engage your brain with puzzles and learning.

How many neurons does the human brain have?

About 86 billion neurons.

What is the speed at which signals can travel in the nervous system?

Up to 268 miles per hour.

What careers are related to the nervous system?

Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Neuroscience Researcher, Physical Therapist, Psychologist.

What is the overall takeaway about the nervous system?

It is the body's communication network, consisting of the CNS and PNS, with neurons as the key messaging cells.