What is Answerbag?

Ask questions and share your knowledge with the world here on Answerbag. Get the best answers where there are no duplicate questions and questions are always open - our community of over 1,140,000 will find your answer!

Join For Free!
 

Physiology & Anatomy Nervous System Study Guide

Friday, September 04, 2009
Related Tags: nerves | brain | spinal | cord | impulses
 

Instructions

Brain

  • Step 1:
    The brain is the central control of the nervous system. The brain is divided into functional parts that command different activities of the body. Even though the brain is compartmentalized, all parts communicate across each other. The brain is protected heavily by some of the hardest bone in the body called the skull. Since the brain is a vital organ in the body, it's also surrounded by a barrier called the blood-brain barrier that protects it from circulating microbes.

Spinal Cord

  • Step 1:
    The spinal cord is the extension that runs from the brain stem and down the back of the body. The spinal cord is the location of afferent and efferent sensors, which are the nerves that send and receive impulses. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae column and surrounded by a membrane called the meninges.

Nerves

  • Step 1:
    The nervous system impulses are carried by afferent and efferent nerves. Afferent nerves are the sensory nerves. They receive stimuli from the environment for the brain to process. The brain processes information and sends the electrical impulses through the efferent nerves. Efferent nerves are also called motor nerves since these are the structures that bind to muscle and allow for movement.

Central Nervous System

  • Step 1:
    The central nervous system is a category of the nervous system. The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord. It is the place where activities, thoughts and responses are processed. It's estimated that there are 100 billion neurons in the brain. The neuron is the main component that processes electrical impulses.

Peripheral Nervous System

  • Step 1:
    The peripheral nervous system makes up the nerves that extend from the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system makes up the afferent and efferent nerves that send and receive impulses from a stimulus. They are also the nerves that extend to muscles for movement. Peripheral nerves extend all throughout the body tissue and central organs.

Related Content
Brain Functions & the Nervous System
Instructions The Brain Step 1: Your brain controls all aspects of your body, such as sensory input, emotions and involuntary functions. It has three main parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the...
Nervous System General Interest Facts
The nervous system is a cellular network that monitors the internal and external environments of an organism. The nervous system has two parts: the central nervous system and peripheral nervous...
Nervous System Facts
The nervous system is a bodily system made up of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, cells called neurons and other structures. In humans, the nervous system is essential to the body's mental...
What Are the Treatments for a Pinched Cervical Nerve?
Nerves are critical but fragile components of the nervous system which carry impulses from your brain to the rest of your body and back. Because they often lie near thick muscles and dense bones,...
Information About the Nervous System
The nervous system is the central part of communication for the body. It consists of the brain and the neurons that transmit the electrical impulses. It is also responsible for receiving...