Nervous System |
The Neuron Neurons are part of your Periperal Nervous System. They send fast electrical signals called impulses. There are two kinds of neurons called sensory and motor neurons. Sensory neurons carry impulses to your brain and spinal cord (CNS) to gather information through ends of special cells called receptors. This is an example of gathering information. Motor Neurons send signals form the CNS. This is what causes you to respond to the information gathered. There are many main parts to the neuron. There is the Dendrite, Cell Body, Nucleus, Myelin Sheath, Schwann Cell, Axon, Node of Ranvier, and the Axon Terminal. The Dendrite receives signals from the brain. The Cell Body contains special organelles that help neuron function and makes proteins for dendrites, axons, and terminals. The Nucleus is the control center of the cell. The Axon conducts impulses away from the cell body. The Myelin Sheath protects the Axon from electrical activity. The Schwann Cell produces the Myelin Sheath. The Node of Ranvier help the rapid production of impulses move forward. Lastly, the Axon Terminal transmits the neurotransmitter to another neuron.
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The nervous system is the central command of your entire body. It's job is to gather and interpret information given to the body. The nervous system is divided into two main sections called the Central Nervous System(CNS) and the Periperal Nervous System(PNS). The CNS contains the brain and spinal cord which receive and respond to all information. The PNS is everything in the nervous system besides the brain and spinal cord. It connects your body to the CNS through nerves. Nerves are a bundle of cells called neurons that send impulses of sensation to the CNS. This is what allows you to feel, move, etc. Furthermore, the Periperal Nervous System is divided into two divisions called the Somatic and Autonomic Nervous System. The Somatic Nervous System contains all actions under your control such as movements of your skeletal muscle in the Musculatory System. The Automic nervous System contains all the actions you do without your control such as digestion, breathing, and your heart pumping blood. Within the Automic Nervous System there is the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System. Both help keep you in balance. The Sympathetic Nervous System is also known as the fight or flight. This response increases heart rate and slows digestion. The Parasympathetic Nervous System is also known as rest and digest. This response decreases heart rate and returns to normal digestion. Overall, the Nervous System helps you maintain homeostasis by gathering and interpreting information so you can respond to the everyday environment.
The Brain The brain is the main control center of the nervous system including both your voluntary and involuntary actions. There are several main parts to your brain. There is the cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla, and two hemispheres. The two hemispheres are the halves of the brain where the left side controls the right side and the ride side controls the left. The cerebrum is where most thinking happens and where memories are stored. The cerebellum helps control balance and movement. The Medulla connects the brain and spinal cord. It also controls involuntary processes such as heart rate and blood pressure. Connected to the brain is the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made of nerves and surrounded by vertebrae. This carries impulses to and from the brain.
Flight or Flight ResponseWatch the video above to learn more about the Sympathetic Nervous System or Fight or Flight Response. It will explain a scenario where it would kick in and what happens during the response.
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