The Nervous SystemBy: Saul, Claire, Sam, Diana

Major FunctionsAs the body’s control center the nervous

system has two basic functions-1. Collects and interprets information

from the inside and outside of the body2. Responds to collected information

CNS- Central Nervous System, consisting of the brain & spinal chord

PNS- Peripheral Nervous System, includes everything of the system BUT the brain & spinal chord

Poster

CNS & PNS

Structure of the NeuronThe neuron has a cell body, the neuron also

have structures called dendrites and axons. Dendrites are short extensions of cell that receives information from the other cells. This information is carried away from the cell body by the axons. Often times the axons branch off and the tip of each branch is called the axon terminal.

Poster

Functions-(See Diagram)Brain:Cerebrum- Voluntary movements, sense

touch, light, sound, smell, taste, pain, hot & cold

Cerebellum- Coordinating voluntary movements such as skeletal movements.

Spinal Chord- Impulses to and from the brain

(CNS)

Functions cont…Nerves- Detect changes in environment (inside

& outside of the body), sends information (muscles and glands), integrates

Neurons:Cell Body- Makes neurotransmitters, keeps

cell aliveDendrites- Receives messages from other

cellsAxon- Carries messages away to other cells

Passage of Impulse The impulse is sent from a receptor that

detects changes in the environment and is than sent to the CNS where it is added and compared to other incoming signals. If a response is needed a response signal is sent out. Muscles and/or glands react.

Ant example

You need the nervous system to survive; the system works with all other systems in the body

Muscular System- Reacts to messages from the nervous system (contracts muscles)

Skeletal System- Reacts/Sends messages from/to the nervous system (breaking a bone)

Cardiovascular System- An involuntary change by nervous system (speeds up/ slows heart rate)

Respiratory System- An involuntary change by nervous system (regulates breathing)

Working w/ Other Systems

The sciatic nerves are branches of the lumbar nerves and are the largest and longest nerves in the body. They descend into the buttock and into the thighs, where they divide into the "tibial" and "common peroneal" nerves. The many branches of these nerves supply nerve impulses to and from the muscles and skin in the hip joints and thighs, the lower legs, feet and most of the skin below the knee.

Sciatic Nerve

Fun FactsThere are 100 billion neurons in your brain alone.

A newborn baby's brain grows almost 3 times during the course of its first year.

A new born baby loses about half of their nerve cells before they are born.

The total surface area of the human brain is about 25,000 square cm.

Some long axons are 1m long

Holt California Life Science(7th. Grade, Science)

Claire’s Dad (bio/anatomy teacher)For fun facts-

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090413152349AAPltcY

Bibliography