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Nervous System

• The central nervous system • The peripheral nervous system (PNS)

(CNS) consists of the brain and consists of ‘the rest’ of the nervous
spinal cord. system.
• The CNS makes decisions for the • The PNS gathers and sends information
body. to and from the rest of the body.
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The Spinal Cord and Reflexes

Central Nervous System

The Brain and Neural Networks
Interconnected neurons form networks in the brain. These networks are complex and
modify with growth and experience.
Brain Structure with Functions
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Neurotransmitters Function Effect of

Effect of Deficit
Surplus
Excitatory:
Released by motor neurons.
Acetylcholine Stimulates muscle contraction; Severe Muscle
Alzheimer’s Disease
(Ach) involved in attention, memory, Spasms
learning and general intellectual
functioning
Parkinson’s Disease,
Inhibitory: Low levels of dopamine may cause Schizophrenia
Pleasurable sensations involved specific symptoms associated with
Dopamine (DA) Drug
in voluntary movement, depression. These symptoms can
include lack of motivation Addiction
attention, and learning
difficulty concentrating
Inhibitory:
Moods and emotional states,
Serotonin Depression, mood disorders Autism
hunger regulation of sleep and
wakefulness (arousal)
Excitatory:
Used for arousal in the
Norepinephrine Mental disorders, especially
flight/fight response, modulation Anxiety
(NE) depression
of mood, plays a role in learning
and memory retrieval
GABA Inhibitory:
Sleep and
(gamma- Helps to offset excitatory Anxiety, seizures, tremors, and
eating
aminobutyric messages and regulate daily insomnia
disorders
acid) sleep-wake cycles
Body may not
Inhibitory: give
Involved in pain perception and adequate
Endorphins Body experiences pain
positive emotions. Similar to warning about
opiate family of drugs. pain. Artificial
highs
Excitatory:
Used in memory, learning, Too much glutamate (and too
Glutamate movement. Helps messages little GABA) associated with
cross the synapse more epileptic seizures
efficiently