Miss Angler's Biology Class: Introduction to the Nervous System

Overview

• Introduction to the nervous system.
• Focus on basics, functions, structure identification.
• Key topics for exams highlighted.

Function of the Nervous System

• Flow Diagram: Used to explain responses in the nervous and endocrine systems.
  • Stimulus: External signals like light, pain, sound.
  • Sensory Receptors: Receive signals (e.g., eyes, ears, skin).
  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Processes signals and makes decisions (integrative function).
  • Effectors: Muscles or glands that execute responses.
  • Responses: Changes like increased heart rate or digestion.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Composed of the brain and spinal cord.
• Meninges: Protective layers around brain and spinal cord.
  • Dura Mater: Thick outer layer.
  • Arachnoid Layer: Contains blood vessels.
  • Pia Mater: Delicate inner layer.

Brain Regions

• Cerebrum: Largest part, responsible for personality, memories, voluntary movement, senses, cognitive functions.
• Cerebellum: Coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and posture.

Brain Structures

• Corpus Callosum: Connects left and right hemispheres for communication.
• Medulla Oblongata: Controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate, part of the brain stem.

Spinal Cord

• Continuation of the brain, extends down vertebral column.
• Gray Matter: Inner region, less myelin.
• White Matter: Outer region, more myelin.
• Dorsal Root: Back side, receives signals.
• Ventral Root: Front side, sends signals.
• Central Canal: Contains cerebrospinal fluid.
• Spinal Nerve: Connects CNS to body, part of reflex arcs.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary muscles and sensory organs.
• Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions.
  • Sympathetic Division: "Fight or Flight", quick responses.
  • Parasympathetic Division: "Rest and Digest", slower, calming responses.

Terminology Recap

• Stimulus: External signal.
• Receptor: Receives stimulus.
• Integrator: Brain making decisions.
• Effector: Responds to brain's decision.
• Meninges: Protective brain layers.
• Regions of the Brain:
  • Cerebrum: Voluntary actions, senses, cognition.
  • Corpus Callosum: Hemispheric communication.
  • Cerebellum: Coordination and balance.
  • Medulla Oblongata: Vital reflexes.
• Peripheral Nervous System: Division into somatic and autonomic systems.

Study Tips

• Use flow diagrams and family trees to map relationships and functions within the nervous system.

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