Nervous

System
PREPARED BY: CRISTINA MALICSE
S10LT - IIIc -36

 Describehow the nervous

system coordinates and
regulates these feedback
mechanisms to maintain
homeostasis
Learning Objectives
 To understand the functions of Nervous system;
 To list the structural & functional units of
Nervous system
 To describe the divisions of Nervous system;
 To distinguish sympathetic from parasympathetic
Nervous system

 To relate the physiological functions of nervous

system to selected clinical disorders.
 Functions of the Nervous System

Through its receptors, it keeps us in

1. Sensory Input: touch with both the external and
internal environment
Action potential
(touch: stimulus) Interpretation
Nerves in the
Sensory Receptor Brain
Spinal Cord

It is the major
2. Integration: controlling, regulatory,
and communicating
system of the body
 Functions of the Nervous System

3. Homeostasis:
Together with the endocrine system, it
is responsible in regulating and
maintaining homeostasis

4. Mental Activity:

It is the center for all mental
activity including thought,
learning and memory
Functions of the Nervous System

5. Control of Muscle and Glands:

It participates in controlling skeletal, cardiac,
and smooth muscles, and many glands.
• Structural classification of neurons
is based upon the number of
processes that extend out from the
cell body.
• Three major groups arise from this
classification: unipolar ,bipolar,
anaxonic pseudopolar, and
multipolar neurons.
• Multipolar neurons are defined as
having three or more processes that
extend out from the cell body. They
comprise of more than 99% of the
neurons in humans, and are the
major neuron type found in the CNS
and the efferent division of the PNS.
Functional Classification of Neurons
• This is according to the direction in which the signal travels, in
relation to the CNS.
• The three different types of neurons: sensory neurons, motor
neurons, and interneurons.
• Sensory neurons, or afferent neurons transmit information from
sensory receptors in the skin, or the internal organs toward the
CNS for processing. Almost all sensory neurons are unipolar.
• Motor, or efferent neurons transmit information away from the
CNS toward some type of effector. Motor neurons are typically
multipolar.
• Interneurons are located between motor and sensory pathways
and are highly involved in signal integration. The vast majority
of interneurons are confined within the CNS.
Neurons and its Parts
Structural Classification of Neurons
Divisions of Nervous System
Another division of the nervous system that describes
functional responses.
Lateralization of Brain Function
DIVISIONS OF THE BRAIN
Parts of the Brain and its Lobes
Covering of the Brain & Spinal Cord
The spinal cord lies within the spinal cavity,
extending from the foramen magnum to the
second lumbar vertebra
 MENINGES of the Spinal Cord

Dura Mater
Arachnoid

Pia mater
 Functions of the Spinal Cord

- Serves as the reflex

centre for all spinal
reflexes

- Provides the 2-way

conduction routes to
(afferent) and from
(efferent) the brain
The sensory-somatic system consists of
12 pairs of cranial nerves and
31 pairs of spinal nerves.
CRANIAL NERVES
Spinal Nerves
Autonomic Nervous System

 Consists of the sensory neurons and motor

neurons
 It is responsible for monitoring conditions
in the internal environment and bringing
about appropriate changes in them
The contraction of both smooth muscle
and cardiac muscle
Sensory (afferent) vs. Motor (efferent)

(pseudo-) unipolar neurons conducting

impulses e.g., skin
from sensory organs to the CNS

multipolar neurons conducting impulses

from the CNS to effector organs (muscles & glands) e.g.,
muscle
SYMPATHETIC DIVISIONS

“Fight-or-flight” system
It prepares the body for
physical activity to either
stand and face the threat or
leave as quickly as possible
PARASYMPATHETIC DIVISIONS

 Stimulates vegetative activities, such

as digestion, defecation, and
urination.
 Slows the heart rate and respiration
 Causes the pupil of the eye to
constrict and the lens to thicken