medterm nervous system notes

NERVOUS SYSTEM OVERVIEW

  • Master control and communication system of the body

  • Every thought, action, and emotion is a result of its activity.

  • Uses electrical impulses to interpret and respond to what's happening inside and outside the body.

COMPONENTS

  • Brain

  • Spinal Cord

  • Sensory Organs

  • Nerves

    • Connect these components throughout the body.

3 PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

  1. Sensory Input

    • Detects stimuli from the environment.

  2. Integration

    • Processes sensory input and determines appropriate response.

  3. Motor Output

    • Initiates response through muscles or glands.

AN EXAMPLE

  • Sensory Input: You're driving and see a red light ahead.

  • Integration: Your nervous system integrates this information as "red light means stop."

  • Motor Output: The muscles of your right leg and foot move to press the brake.

STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION

  • Central Nervous System (CNS)

    • Brain

    • Spinal Cord

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    • Nerves outside the CNS

    • Ganglion: A cluster of nerve cell bodies.

    • Nerve: A bundle of fibers that transmit impulses.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Functions:

    • Higher functions include emotions, personality, creativity, and language.

    • Acts as the integration and command center.

    • Takes in all conscious and subconscious sensory information.

    • Makes decisions and initiates responses to maintain homeostasis.

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Includes all parts of the nervous system outside the CNS.

  • Links all parts of the body by carrying impulses:

    • From sensory receptors to the CNS

    • From the CNS to glands or muscles.