Function:
To gather, interpret, and respond to information
To maintain homeostasis
Major Organs and Tissues:
Central Nervous System (CNS) - brain and spinal cord - processes and responds to all messages coming
from the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) - all parts of nervous system except spinal cord and brain - connects all
parts of the body to the CNS and carries information between your body and the CNS
Neuron- transfers messages in the form of fast-moving electrical energy called impulses
Dendrite allow neurons to receive information from other cells
Axon- carries impulses away from the cell body
Axon terminal- allows information to pass to other cells
Sensory neurons- gather information about what is happening in and around your body and send it to the
CNS for processing
Receptors- detect changes inside and outside the body
Somatic nervous system- is under your conscious control and controls voluntary movements, such as
writing, talking, smiling, or jumping
Autonomic nervous system- controls body functions that you dont think about, such as digestion and
heart rate and keeps all the bodys functions in balance
Brain- reacts to any stimulus to control the bodys processes
Brain Stem with Medulla- controls involuntary processes, such as blood pressure, body temperature, heart
rate, and involuntary breathing
Spinal Cord - pass impulses to and from the brain and allows your brain to communicate with your
peripheral nervous system
Cerebrum- controls thinking and memories; controls voluntary movements and allows you to sense touch,
light, sound, smell, taste, pain, heat, and cold
Cerebellum- processes sensory information from your body and keeps balance
Vertebrae- protect the spinal cord
Interactions with Other Systems:
The skull and vertebrae, part of the skeletal system, protect the nervous system.
The nervous system triggers hunger, appetite and digestion for the digestive system.
The nervous system controls the breathing happening in the respiratory system.
The endocrine system works with the nervous system by releasing hormones to control homeostasis.
The nervous system controls heartbeat, part of the circulatory system.
The nervous system controls all muscle contractions, part of the muscular system
The nervous system works with the integumentary system to control body temperature.
