BY: CYBILL D.

DIAZ, RN, MAN

 Central part of nervous system, Controls all
Brain
body functions
Long and thin bundle of nervous tissue
extending from lower part of brain, transmits
Spinal Cord
neural signals between brain and rest of the
body
A bundle of peripheral axons enclosed by
connective tissue. Carries nervous signals from
Nerves
nervous system to body and from body to
nervous system
Motor and sensory neurons end in special
type of structures depending on their
Nerve Endings
function. These structures are called nerve
endings
 Central
Nervous Brain and Spinal Cord
System (CNS)
Peripheral
Cranial nerves, Spinal nerves and
Nervous
Ganglia
System (PNS)
Divisions of PNS
Autonomic nervous system and
Somatic Nervous System
› is the chief controlling and coordinating system
of the body.
› It controls and regulates all voluntary and
involuntary activities of human body.
› There are three characteristic properties of
nervous system of human body:
– Sensitivity
– Conductivity
– Responsiveness
› is the unit of nervous system
› The structural and functional unit of
nervous system is called neuron.
› It is a special type of cell with a cell
body and cell processes.
› CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) :
– Central nervous system includes brain and
spinal cord.
› PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS) :
– Peripheral nervous system includes all the
parts of nervous system except brain and
spinal cord.
– It is further divided into two components:
› Somatic nervous system
› Autonomic nervous system
› Nerves are solid cords composed of bundles of
nerve fibers (each nerve fiber is an axon with its
coverings) bound together by connective
tissue.
› Spinal Nerves: Spinal nerves arise from the
spinal cord. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves
in human body.
› Cranial Nerves: Cranial nerves arise from the
brain. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves in
human body.
› CONTROL OF ALL BODY FUNCTIONS:
– Nervous system is the master system of human body. It
controls the activity of all other systems in such a way that all
the systems collectively make a human being.
– Without a controlling system, there is no concept of life
because in such case there will be no coordination between
different body functions and they will all act separately.
– Nervous system not only controls the voluntary functions of
human body that are directed by human will, but it also
controls those functions that are below the level of
consciousness of human beings.
› COORDINATION OF DIFFERENT BODY ORGANS:
– Nervous system not only produces coordination
between different systems, but also between
different organs of a system.
– To form an organ system, role of the component
organs must also be coordinated. So nervous
system is not only important for formation of an
organism by different organ systems, but also for
formation of a system by different organs of human
body.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
› The purpose of the bony
skull is to protect the
brain from injury. The
skull is formed from 8
bones that fuse
together along suture
lines. These bones
include the frontal,
parietal (2), temporal
(2), sphenoid, occipital
and ethmoid
› The brain is
composed of
the cerebrum,
cerebellum,
and brainstem
› The cerebrum
is divided into
four lobes:
frontal,
parietal,
temporal, and
occipital.
› The cerebrum
– is the largest part of the brain and is composed of right and
left hemispheres. It performs higher functions like interpreting
touch, vision and hearing, as well as speech, reasoning,
emotions, learning, and fine control of movement.
› The cerebellum
– is located under the cerebrum. Its function is to coordinate
muscle movements, maintain posture, and balance.
› The brainstem
– includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla. It acts as a relay
center connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum to the
spinal cord. It performs many automatic functions such as
breathing, heart rate, body temperature, wake and sleep
cycles, digestion, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and
swallowing. Ten of the twelve cranial nerves originate in the
brainstem.
› The surface of the cerebrum
has a folded appearance
called the cortex.
› The cortex contains about
70% of the 100 billion nerve
cells.
› The nerve cell bodies color
the cortex grey-brown
giving it its name – gray
matter.
› The right and left hemispheres of the brain are joined
by a bundle of fibers called the corpus callosum that
delivers messages from one side to the other.
› Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the
body.
› Not all functions of the hemispheres are shared.
› In general, the left hemisphere controls speech,
comprehension, arithmetic, and writing. The right
hemisphere controls creativity, spatial ability, artistic,
and musical skills.
› The left hemisphere is dominant in hand use and
language in about 92% of people.
› The cerebral hemispheres have distinct fissures,
which divide the brain into lobes.
› Each hemisphere has 4 lobes: frontal, temporal,
parietal, and occipital.
› Each lobe may be divided, once again, into
areas that serve very specific functions. It’s
important to understand that each lobe of the
brain does not function alone.
 Frontal lobe Parietal lobe Occipital lobe Temporal lobe

• Personality, • Interprets • Interprets vision • Understanding

behavior, language, (color, light, language
emotions words movement) (Wernicke’s
• Judgment, • Sense of touch, area)
planning, pain, • Memory
problem temperature • Hearing
solving (sensory strip) • Sequencing
• Speech: • Interprets and
speaking and signals from organization
writing (Broca’s vision, hearing,
area) motor, sensory
• Body and memory
movement • Spatial and
(motor strip) visual
• Intelligence, perception
concentration,
self awareness
› Hypothalamus
– is located in the floor of the third ventricle and is the master
control of the autonomic system. It plays a role in controlling
behaviors such as hunger, thirst, sleep, and sexual response.
It also regulates body temperature, blood pressure,
emotions, and secretion of hormones.
› Pituitary gland
– lies in a small pocket of bone at the skull base called the
sella turcica. The pituitary gland is connected to the
hypothalamus of the brain by the pituitary stalk. Known as
the “master gland,” it controls other endocrine glands in the
body. It secretes hormones that control sexual development,
promote bone and muscle growth, respond to stress, and
fight disease.
› Pineal gland
– is located behind the third ventricle. It helps
regulate the body’s internal clock and
circadian rhythms by secreting melatonin. It
has some role in sexual development.
› Thalamus
– serves as a relay station for almost all
information that comes and goes to the
cortex. It plays a role in pain sensation,
attention, alertness and memory.
› Basal ganglia
– includes the caudate, putamen and
globus pallidus. These nuclei work with
the cerebellum to coordinate fine
motions, such as fingertip movements.
› Limbic system
–is the center of our emotions, learning,
and memory. Included in this system are
the cingulate gyri, hypothalamus,
amygdala (emotional reactions) and
hippocampus (memory).
› The brain and spinal cord are covered
and protected by three layers of tissue
called meninges.
› From the outermost layer inward they are:
– dura mater
– arachnoid mater
– pia mater
› dura mater
– is a strong, thick membrane that closely lines
the inside of the skull.
– its two layers, the periosteal and meningeal
dura, are fused and separate only to form
venous sinuses.
– The dura creates little folds or compartments.
– There are two special dural folds, the falx and
the tentorium.
› The falx separates the right and left hemispheres of
the brain.
› The tentorium separates the cerebrum from the
cerebellum.
› arachnoid mater
–is a thin, web-like membrane that covers
the entire brain.
–The arachnoid is made of elastic tissue.
–The space between the dura and
arachnoid membranes is called the
subdural space.
›pia mater
– hugs the surface of the brain following its
folds and grooves.
– The pia mater has many blood vessels that
reach deep into the brain.
– The space between the arachnoid and pia is
called the subarachnoid space.
– It is here where the cerebrospinal fluid bathes
and cushions the brain.
› The brain has hollow fluid-filled cavities called
ventricles.
› Inside the ventricles is a ribbon-like structure
called the choroid plexus that makes clear
colorless cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
› CSF flows within and around the brain and
spinal cord to help cushion it from injury. This
circulating fluid is constantly being absorbed
and replenished.
› There are two ventricles deep within the
cerebral hemispheres called the lateral
ventricles. They both connect with the third
ventricle through a separate opening called
the foramen of Monro.
› The third ventricle connects with the fourth
ventricle through a long narrow tube called the
aqueduct of Sylvius.
› From the fourth ventricle, CSF flows into the
subarachnoid space where it bathes and
cushions the brain.
› CSF is recycled (or absorbed) by special
structures in the superior sagittal sinus called
arachnoid villi.
› A balance is maintained between the amount
of CSF that is absorbed and the amount that is
produced.
– A disruption or blockage in the system can cause a
build up of CSF, which can cause enlargement of
the ventricles (hydrocephalus) or cause a collection
of fluid in the spinal cord (syringomyelia).
› Blood is carried to
the brain by two
paired arteries, the
internal carotid
arteries and the
vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid
arteries supply most
of the cerebrum.
› The vertebral arteries supply
the cerebellum, brainstem,
and the underside of the
cerebrum. After passing
through the skull, the right
and left vertebral arteries
join together to form the
basilar artery. The basilar
artery and the internal
carotid arteries
“communicate” with each
other at the base of the
brain called the Circle of
Willis.
› Broca’s area lies in the left frontal lobe.
– If this area is damaged, one may have difficulty moving the
tongue or facial muscles to produce the sounds of speech.
The individual can still read and understand spoken
language but has difficulty in speaking and writing (i.e.
forming letters and words, doesn't write within lines) – called
Broca's aphasia.
› Wernicke's area lies in the left temporal lobe.
– Damage to this area causes Wernicke's aphasia. The
individual may speak in long sentences that have no
meaning, add unnecessary words, and even create new
words. They can make speech sounds, however they have
difficulty understanding speech and are therefore unaware
of their mistakes.
› Short-term memory, also called working memory,
occurs in the prefrontal cortex. It stores information for
about one minute and its capacity is limited to about
7 items.
› Long-term memory is processed in the hippocampus
of the temporal lobe and is activated when you want
to memorize something for a longer time. This memory
has unlimited content and duration capacity. It
contains personal memories as well as facts and
figures.
› Skill memory is processed in the cerebellum, which
relays information to the basal ganglia. It stores
automatic learned memories like tying a shoe,
playing an instrument, or riding a bike.
› The brain is made up of two types of
cells:
–nerve cells (neurons)
–glia cells
› There are many sizes and shapes of neurons, but all
consist of a cell body, dendrites and an axon.
› The neuron conveys information through electrical
and chemical signals.
› A neuron that is excited will transmit its energy to
neurons within its vicinity.
› Neurons transmit their energy, or “talk”, to each other
across a tiny gap called a synapse
› A neuron has many arms called dendrites, which act
like antennae picking up messages from other nerve
cells.
› These messages are passed to the cell body, which
determines if the message should be passed along.
Important messages are passed to the end of the
axon where sacs containing neurotransmitters open
into the synapse.
› The neurotransmitter molecules cross the synapse and
fit into special receptors on the receiving nerve cell,
which stimulates that cell to pass on the message.
› Glia (Greek word meaning glue) are the
cells of the brain that provide neurons
with nourishment, protection, and
structural support.
› There are about 10 to 50 times more glia
than nerve cells and are the most
common type of cells involved in brain
tumors.
› Astroglia or astrocytes transport nutrients to
neurons, hold neurons in place, digest parts of
dead neurons, and regulate the blood brain
barrier.
› Oligodendroglia cells provide insulation
(myelin) to neurons.
› Ependymal cells line the ventricles and secrete
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
› Microglia digest dead neurons and pathogens.
Peripheral Nervous System
› The spine is made of 33 individual bones stacked
one on top of the other. Ligaments and muscles
connect the bones together and keep them
aligned.
› The spinal column provides the main support for
your body, allowing you to stand upright, bend,
and twist.
› Protected deep inside the bones, the spinal cord
connects your body to the brain, allowing
movement of your arms and legs.
› When viewed from the side, an adult spine has a
natural S-shaped curve.
› The neck (cervical) and low back (lumbar) regions
have a slight concave curve, and the thoracic and
sacral regions have a gentle convex curve.
› The curves work like a coiled spring to absorb shock,
maintain balance, and allow range of motion
throughout the spinal column.
› An abnormal curve of the lumbar spine is
lordosis, also called sway back.
› An abnormal curve of the thoracic spine
is kyphosis, also called hunchback.
› An abnormal curve from side-to-side is
called scoliosis.
› The two main muscle groups that affect
the spine are extensors and flexors.
– The extensor muscles enable us to stand up
and lift objects. The extensors are attached
to the back of the spine.
– The flexor muscles are in the front and
include the abdominal muscles.
› The back muscles stabilize your spine.
› Vertebrae are the 33 individual bones that
interlock with each other to form the spinal
column.
› The vertebrae are numbered and divided into
regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum,
and coccyx.
› Only the top 24 bones are moveable, the
vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are
fused.
 Cervical (neck) Thoracic (mid back) Lumbar (low back) Sacrum Coccyx region

•the main function •the main function •the main function •the main function •the four fused
of the cervical of the thoracic of the lumbar spine of the sacrum is to bones of the
spine is to support spine is to hold the is to bear the connect the spine coccyx or tailbone
the weight of the rib cage and weight of the body. to the hip bones provide
head (about 10 protect the heart The five lumbar (iliac). There are five attachment for
pounds). The seven and lungs. The vertebrae are sacral vertebrae, ligaments and
cervical vertebrae twelve thoracic numbered L1 to L5. which are fused muscles of the
are numbered C1 vertebrae are together. pelvic floor.
to C7. numbered T1 to T12. •Together with the
•The first vertebra iliac bones, they
(C1) is the ring- form a ring called
shaped atlas that the pelvic girdle.
connects directly to
the skull. This joint
allows for the
nodding or “yes”
motion of the head.
•The second
vertebra (C2) is the
peg-shaped axis,
which has a
projection called
the odontoid, that
the atlas pivots
around.
› The ligamentum flavum,
anterior longitudinal
ligament (ALL), and
posterior longitudinal
ligament (PLL) allow the
flexion and extension of
the spine while keeping
the vertebrae in
alignment.
› The spinal cord is about 18 inches long and is the
thickness of your thumb.
› It runs within the protective spinal canal from the
brainstem to the 1st lumbar vertebra.
› At the end of the spinal cord, the cord fibers
separate into the cauda equina and continue down
through the spinal canal to your tailbone before
branching off to your legs and feet.
› The spinal cord serves as an information super-
highway, relaying messages between the brain and
the body.
› Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves branch off the spinal
cord.
› The spinal nerves act as “telephone lines,” carrying
messages back and forth between your body and
spinal cord to control sensation and movement.
› Each spinal nerve has two roots.
› The ventral (front) root carries motor impulses from the
brain and the dorsal (back) root carries sensory
impulses to the brain.
› The ventral and dorsal roots fuse together to form a
spinal nerve, which travels down the spinal canal,
alongside the cord, until it reaches its exit hole - the
intervertebral foramen.
› Once the nerve passes through the intervertebral
foramen, it branches:
– The smaller branch (called the posterior primary ramus) turns
posteriorly to supply the skin and muscles of the back of the
body.
– The larger branch (called the anterior primary ramus) turns
anteriorly to supply the skin and muscles of the front of the
body and forms most of the major nerves.
› The spinal cord is covered with the same
three membranes as the brain, called
meninges.
› The inner membrane is the pia mater,
which is intimately attached to the cord.
› The next membrane is the arachnoid
mater.
› The outer membrane is the tough dura
mater.