Structures and Functions of the
Nervous System

The nervous system controls body activities and
perceives and reacts to internal and external stimuli.

The nervous system directs all muscular activities,
controls learning and memory, and regulates vital
processes such as digestion, circulation, and respiration.
 The
nervous system is
composed of two main
divisions, the central nervous
system and the peripheral
nervous system.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and the
spinal cord.
 The
brain is the main site of
nervous control and is divided
into three main parts: the medulla
oblongata, the cerebellum, and the
cerebrum.

The spinal cord is a continuation of the
medulla oblongata and is located in the center
of the vertebral column.

The spinal cord is the major line through
which impulses or messages are transmitted to
and from the brain to a variety of body parts.

The medulla oblongata or brain stem controls reflex actions
such as breathing, swallowing, coughing, and blinking of eyelids.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that regulates
balance and movement through impulses received from
the eyes, ears, muscles, joints, and skin.

The cerebrum is the largest and most active part of the
brain. It is the decision making center of the brain and
controls memory, sight, hearing, smelling, and voluntary
muscle contractions.
 The
peripheral nervous system includes
all nerve structures beyond the brain
and spinal cord.
 The peripheral nervous system is a
network of nerves that transmit
messages from all over the body to and
from the central nervous system.

The peripheral nervous system includes 12 cranial nerves,
spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system controls activities that are not
consciously controlled, such as functions of the heart, stomach,
intestines, and bladder.

peripheral nervous system
As
a group of 2-3 students
make an infomercial about
the structures and
functions of the nervous
system.
Learning Check
 1. Name
the three main parts of the
brain.
 2. What
is a joint?
 3. Where
 4. Name
is cardiac muscle found?
three types of synovial joints.