Mammalian Nervous System - IGCSE Biology Revision Notes

Structure & Role of the Mammalian Nervous System

• Human Nervous System

  • Composed of:
    • Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord.
    • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Comprises all the nerves outside the CNS.

• Functions

  • Enables us to understand and respond to our environment.
  • Coordinates and regulates bodily functions.
  • Transmits information through nerve impulses (electrical signals).
  • Nerve impulses travel along neurons, which are bundled together as nerves.

Key Components

• Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Brain: The control center for processing and interpreting information.
  • Spinal Cord: The pathway for messages sent by the brain to the body and from the body to the brain.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Responsible for transmitting messages between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Miscellaneous

• The nervous system is essential for controlling and coordinating all voluntary and involuntary actions.
• Neurons are specialized cells for transmitting nerve impulses.

Note: This document serves as a revision aid for understanding the basic structure and function of the mammalian nervous system as per the IGCSE Biology curriculum.