The nervous system notes

1. By R. Frank, 2013

2.  Nervous System: a network of nerve cells and
fibers that transmits nerve impulses between
parts of the body.
 It acts as a highway for information to travel.
It controls movement in the body and also
converts information for the brain to read
and process.
 There are two nervous systems: The Central
Nervous System & The Peripheral Nervous
System.

3.  1. Dendrite
 2. Cell Body
 3. Axon
 4. Terminal Branches

4.  Dendrite: neuron branch which detects stimuli (changes in the
environment)
 Cell Body: body of the neuron where normal metabolic activities
occur
 Axon: longest branch covered by a myelin sheath(which
provides electrical insulation) -- carries nerve message or impulse
to the axon terminals
 Myelin Sheath: provides electrical insulation
 Terminal Branches: release nerve chemicals which stimulate
adjacent dendrites on the next neuron or a muscle cell
 Neurotransmitters: Nerve chemicals released at terminal brances

5.  Sensory Neurons: neurons which only allow
information to travel one way. They can
transmit information from receptors to the brain
and to motor neurons.
 Motor Neurons: neurons which only allow
information to travel one way. The transmit
information from the brain and the spinal cord
to the effectors.

6.  Associative Neuron: allows the impulse to
go from the Sensory Neurons to the Motor
Neurons
 Receptors: any of the sensory organs (eyes,
mouth, skin)
 Effectors: muscles or glands
 Ganglion: a group of nerve cells

7.  Reflex Arc: the path an impulse takes
 1. Receptor
 2. Sensory Neuron
 3. Associate Neuron
 4. Motor Neuron
 5. Effector

8.  The Central Nervous System consists of
the brain and spinal cord.
 The Peripheral Nervous System consists of
the neurons.

9.  The Spinal Cord is the pathway that
information travels from receptors to the
brain, and from the brain to the effector.

10. Medulla
Cerebellum
Cerebrum

11.  Cerebrum: The cerebrum controls
thought, language, reasoning,
perception and voluntary movement.

12.  Cerebellum: controls movement,
balance and posture and is divided
into two hemispheres.

13.  The Medulla, or Brain Stem, controls
most of the basic functions of life like
breathing, heart rate and blood
pressure.

14.  The Hypothalamus controls body temperature,
emotions, hunger, thirst
 The Basal Ganglia controls and coordinates
movement.
 The PONS connects the brain to the spinal cord.
 The Hippocampus is important for memory.
 The Thalamus receives sensory information and
movement information.

15.  Reflex Arc
 Cerebrum
 Cerebellum
 Medulla
 Spinal Cord
 Central Nervous System
 Peripheral Nervous System
 Receptor
 Motor Neuron
 Associative Neuron
 Sensory Neuron
 Effector
 Dendrite
 Terminal Branches
 Axon
 Neuron (nerve cell)

16. 1. What is the correct path of a reflex arc?
2. Name one function that each of the
following controls: The Medulla, The
Cerebrum
3. Name three parts of a nerve cell.
4. Name one part of the Central Nervous
System.
5. Besides Central, what is the name for the
other nervous system?
6. Give an example of one effector and one
receptor.

17. 1. Receptor → Sensory Neuron → Associative
Neuron → Motor Neuron → Effector
2. Medulla: Any involuntary action
Cerebrum: Thought, Reason, or any voluntary action
3. Axon, Dendrite, Cell Body, Myelin Sheath,
Nodes of Ranvier, Terminal Branches
4. Brain or Spinal Cord
5. Peripheral Nervous System
6. Effector: Any muscle or nerve
Receptor: Any sensory organ (eyes, skin,
etc.)