Chapter 10 Nervous System Fundamentals
I) NERVOUS SYSTEM = Master control and communication system of the body. This system works with the ENDOCRINE system to maintain and regulate body HOMEOSTASIS (balance). NERVOUS SYSTEM – Fast action, uses electrical impulses. Changes by this system tend to be fast but temporary. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM – Slow action, uses chemicals called HORMONES released into the blood. Changes by this system tend to be slow but long lasting.
The Nervous System has 3 Overlapping Functions: 1) SENSORY INPUT – sensory nerve receptors collect information from both inside and outside the body and send it to the Brain. 2) INTEGRATION – the brain processes the sensory information, and makes decisions on what must be done to maintain Homeostasis. 3) MOTOR OUTPUT – is a response or action sent out to the body, from the brain. This usually activates MUSCLES or GLANDS.
Sensory Input Integration Motor Output
Sensory Input Integration Motor Output
II) ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Nervous System Central Nervous System - CNS Peripheral Nervous System - PNS Includes the Brain and Spinal Cord Includes the Cranial and Spinal Nerves
Autonomic/Involuntary NS Peripheral Nervous System - PNS Afferent (sensory) Neurons Efferent (motor) Neurons Conduct impulses from Receptors towards the Brain Transmit impulses away from the brain to Effectors Somatic Afferents Somatic/Voluntary NS Sensory Input from Skin, Joints, Muscles, etc. Motor Impulses from Brain to Skeletal Muscles Autonomic/Involuntary NS Visceral Afferents Motor Impulses from Brain to Internal Organs Sensory Input from Internal Organs (heart, lungs, etc.)
Autonomic/Involuntary NS Sympathetic Division Parasympathetic Division These 2 Divisions are ANTAGONISTIC to each other, i.e. one speeds up the heart while another one slows it down.
Basic Divisions Afferents CNS Efferents
and Visceral Afferents Which 2 branches of the Nervous System are MISSING from this schematic? ***The 2 branches of the Sensory division: i.e. Somatic Afferents and Visceral Afferents ***
Various Pathways