Transcript Document
Nervous System
In Class Notes
By: Mrs. Swineheart's Fifth Hour
Function & Divisions:
• Functions:
o
o
o
sends/recieves information
process information
sends messages to organs through communication lines called
nerves
• Divisions (2)
o
o
CNS (central nervous system)
bodys main informatoin prcessing center
Brain and Spinal Cord
PNS (peripheral nervous system)
nervous tissue outside of the CNS
delivers information to CNS
carries messages to organs
Brain: Parts & Functions
• Brainstem = The lower portion of the brain important for
breathing and other vital functions.
• Cerebrum= The largest part of the brain; it is responsible for
learning and other conscious mental functions.
• Thalamus= A midbrain structure that plays a major role in
relaying information from the various sensory receptors to other
brain areas.
• Cerebellum= Region of the brain that plays an important role in
the integration of sensory perception
• Hypothalamus = a structure in the brain under the thalamus
that monitors activities such as body temperature and food
intake.
Parts of the Brain:
Lobes of the Brain & Functions:
• Frontal = Top front, responsible for emotion and
reasoning.
• Parietal = Middle, and is the sensory center.
• Occipital = Back, used for vision and reading.
• Temporal = Lower sides, hearing and memory.
The Neuron:
Function of the Neuron:
• conducts nerve impulses
• transmit signals at a fast rate.
• allows signals to transmit at a fast rate
through the specific and other locations.
From one neuron to the next:
Synapse: junction between two neurons or a neuron
and another cell or electrical or chemical signals are
relayed.
Synaptic cleft: tiny space where nerve signal must
be transmited.
Neurotransmitters: chemical messanger that
carries information from one neuron to another or to
another cell.
• When the action potential reaches the knob, it
causes the vestles to release the neurotransmitter
into the synaptic cleft.Receptor molecules on the
recieving neuron's membrane accept the
neurotransmitter.
Reflex Arc:
• Uses 3 Parts:
o
o
o
Sensory Input
Integration
Motor Output
• Examples:
o
o
o
Reflex check with doctor and hammer on your knee
Touching something hot
Feeling pain
Reflex Arc:
sensory receptors
reflex
interneurons
spinal cord
motor neurons
sensory neurons
Examples of Sensory Receptors:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pacinian Corpuscles- Pressure/Pain
Meissner's Corpuscles- Sensitivity to light touch
Knee Jerk- Reflex
Thermoreceptors- Detect heat/cold
Mechanoreceptors- Gauge Touch, pressure, sketch, and motion
Chemoreceptors- Located in your nose and tastebuds, sensitive to certain
chemicals
Photoreceptors- Receptive to various wavelengths of light, located in your eyes
Drugs:
• 2 Types:
o
o
Stimulants
Usually increase the amount of activity in the CNS
increases amount of alertness and heart rate (nicotine)
Depressants
Slow down CNS activity
causes less coordination and impairs judgement
(alchohol)
Illnesses:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Alzheimers
Tourette Syndrome
Lou Gehrigs
Huntingtons
Muscular Dystrophy
ADD
Etc.