Nervous System The control and communication center of your body.

Answer the following question: How come when you play softball, you know when to raise your hand to catch the ball? How do you know when the ball has arrived to your mitt? We will share in a moment.

Neurons As you read and hear this PowerPoint, the neurons in your ears and eyes send messages to your brain to understand them. These neurons are also called nerve cells. Neurons are the language of the nervous system.

3 Types of Neurons Sensory – receive info from outside world Motor – send messages to the muscles Connecting – passes info between sensory and motor Examples?

Connecting Info You receive a pass from a teammate in a basketball game. The pass was complete and hits your hands. Sensory neurons signal your brain and spinal cord that the ball has arrived. The brain and spinal cord translate that message Nervous system tells your body to “hold hands tight”. Motor neurons tell muscles to “hold on tight”.

Two Systems Central – brain and spinal cord Peripheral – nerves that branch out from the Central System.

3 Parts of the Brain Cerebrum – largest, controls memory, language and thoughts Cerebellum – voluntary muscle movements Brain Stem – control involuntary muscle movement what are some examples?

Brain Stem Eye Pupils Digestion Heart Beat Breathing

Care for your Nervous System Balanced Nutrition Rest Avoid Drugs Avoid Alcohol Exercise

Preventing Injury Wear a helmet Fasten seatbelts Don’t lift heavy objects Use common sense

Small Group Discussion Questions Compare and contrast the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. Explain why a teenage brain loses 40 percent of its connections during puberty. Explain why teenagers are more likely to engage in risky behavior than adults. Describe several strategies Russell Wilson (Seahawks Quarterback)uses to protect his Nervous System.