2.

16 – Nervous System
I am successful today if I can…
Explain the primary functions of the nervous systems in animals

The nervous system is a complex and highly specialized network of cells that coordinates and regulates
the activities of an animal's body. It is responsible for processing information from the environment,
integrating that information, and generating appropriate responses. The nervous system can be broadly
divided into two main components: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous
system (PNS).
1. Central Nervous System (CNS):
● Brain: The brain is the central control center of the nervous system. It processes sensory
information, initiates motor responses, and is responsible for higher cognitive functions
such as learning, memory, and decision-making.
● Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is a long, tubular structure that extends from the brain and
is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also
plays a crucial role in reflex actions, which are rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli.

2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):

● Sensory (Afferent) Neurons: These neurons transmit signals from sensory organs (like
eyes, ears, skin) to the CNS. They detect stimuli from the environment, such as light,
sound, touch, and temperature.
● Motor (Efferent) Neurons: These neurons carry signals from the CNS to muscles and
glands, initiating responses. Motor neurons control voluntary muscle movements and
regulate glandular activities.
● Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): The ANS controls involuntary bodily functions, such
as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It consists of the sympathetic and
parasympathetic divisions, which often have opposing effects to maintain homeostasis.
● Enteric Nervous System (ENS): The ENS is a complex network of neurons in the
gastrointestinal tract that regulates digestive system functions independently of the CNS.
It helps control processes like digestion and nutrient absorption.

3. Functions of the Nervous System:

● Sensory Input: The nervous system receives information from sensory receptors about
the internal and external environment.
● Integration: The CNS processes and interprets the sensory information, integrating it
with stored information to make decisions.
● Motor Output: Based on the integrated information, the nervous system sends signals to
muscles, glands, and other effectors to produce a response, either through voluntary or
involuntary actions.
● Homeostasis: The nervous system plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable internal
environment (homeostasis) by regulating various physiological processes.

4. Communication: Neurons communicate through electrical impulses and chemical signals

(neurotransmitters) to transmit information rapidly over long distances.

Overall, the nervous system enables animals to respond to their environment, adapt to changes, and
carry out various physiological processes essential for survival and well-being.
The Neuron (Nerve Cell)
● Neurons are the specialized cell that mostly comprises the nervous system
● Nerve impulses move from the dendrites, down the axon to the axon terminal.
● The axon terminal might connect to another neuron, a muscle cell, or a gland.

Nervous System
1. Network of neurons throughout the body.
2. Controls and coordinates the activities of the entire body.
3. Detects changes in the environment and responds.
4. Two parts: central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Nervous System (4:45)

Human Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS)

● consists of the brain and spinal cord and analyses incoming information, stores it, and issues
instructions.
○ Relay neurons (interneurons) allow sensory and motor neurons to communicate with
each other, and connect various neurons within the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

● has peripheral nerves that transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.
○ Sensory neurons are found in sensory organs and detect stimuli (receive
information), which it then sends to the CNS.
○ Motor neurons control the movement or response to the stimulus. They relay
information from the CNS to either the somatic nervous system (controls
voluntary movements) or to the autonomic nervous system (controls involuntary
responses).
Reflex Arc

Reflex Arc:
​ Definition:
● A reflex arc is a rapid and automatic response to a stimulus that helps protect the
body or maintain balance.
​ Components:
● Receptor:
● Sensitive to a specific stimulus (e.g., pain, touch).
● Sensory Neuron:
● Carries the signal from the receptor to the spinal cord or brain.
● Integration Center:
● Processes the signal and determines the response (usually the spinal cord
for reflex arcs).
● Motor Neuron:
● Carries the response signal from the integration center to the effector.
● Effector:
● Carries out the response (e.g., muscle contraction or gland secretion).
​ Example: Knee-Jerk Reflex:
● Tap on the knee tendon stretches the muscle.
● Sensory neurons detect the stretch and send a signal to the spinal cord.
● Spinal cord quickly sends a signal back to the muscle to contract.
● Leg kicks involuntarily.
​ Purpose:
● Provides a rapid, automatic response to potentially harmful stimuli.
● Faster than conscious decision-making.
A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex action. It is a rapid and involuntary
response to a stimulus, designed to protect the body from potential harm. Here are the six
steps of a typical reflex arc:

1. Receptor:
● The process begins with the activation of sensory receptors by a stimulus. These
receptors are often located in the skin, muscles, or other tissues and are
specialized to detect specific types of stimuli, such as pressure, temperature, or
pain.
2. Sensory Neuron:
● The activated receptors generate nerve impulses, and the sensory neuron, also
known as the afferent neuron, carries these signals towards the central nervous
system (CNS). The sensory neuron has a cell body located in a dorsal root
ganglion in the spinal cord.
3. Integration Center (Spinal Cord or Brain):
● In most reflex arcs, the integration center is the spinal cord. The sensory neuron
synapses with interneurons (associative neurons) within the spinal cord or brain.
The integration center processes the incoming information and determines the
appropriate response.
4. Motor Neuron:
● If a rapid response is needed, the integration center sends signals to the motor
neuron, also known as the efferent neuron. The motor neuron carries the
response signals away from the integration center toward the effector organ
(muscle or gland).
5. Effector:
● The motor neuron stimulates the effector, which is usually a muscle or gland, to
carry out the response. In the case of a muscle, the response may be a
contraction, while for a gland, it could involve the secretion of a particular
substance.
6. Response:
● The effector carries out the response, producing the reflex action. Importantly,
this response occurs rapidly and without conscious thought, allowing for quick
reactions to potential threats or changes in the environment.

A classic example of a reflex arc is the knee-jerk reflex. When the patellar tendon is tapped,
stretch receptors in the quadriceps muscle are activated, and a reflexive contraction of the
quadriceps occurs, causing the leg to kick. This rapid response helps maintain balance and
prevent falling.
The Brain

What are the functions of the different parts of the brain???

1. Frontal - voluntary movement, expressive language and for managing higher level executive
functions.
2. Parietal - processing sensory perception and integration
3. Occipital - visual processing area of the brain
4. Cerebellum - Maintenance of balance and posture
5. Temporal - processing auditory information and with the encoding of memory

The brain is a highly complex organ with various regions, each responsible for specific
functions. Here's an overview of the major parts of the brain and their primary functions:

​ Cerebrum:
● Location: Largest part of the brain, divided into two hemispheres.
● Functions:
● Frontal Lobe:
● Motor Cortex: Controls voluntary movements.
● Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for decision-making, planning, and
personality.
● Broca's Area: Involved in speech production.
● Parietal Lobe:
● Somatosensory Cortex: Processes sensory information from the
body.
● Spatial Awareness: Helps with navigation and understanding
space.
● Temporal Lobe:
● Auditory Cortex: Processes auditory information.
● Wernicke's Area: Involved in language comprehension.
● Occipital Lobe:
● Visual Cortex: Processes visual information.
​ Cerebellum:
● Location: Located at the back of the brain, below the cerebrum.
● Functions:
 ● Coordination: Coordinates voluntary movements and helps maintain
balance.
● Muscle Tone: Regulates muscle tone and posture.
● Motor Learning: Plays a role in motor skill acquisition.
​ Brainstem:
● Location: Connects the brain to the spinal cord.
● Components:
● Medulla Oblongata:
● Controls involuntary functions like breathing, heartbeat, and blood
pressure.
● Pons:
● Involved in facial movements and relays signals between the
cerebrum and cerebellum.
● Midbrain:
● Coordinates visual and auditory reflexes.
​ Thalamus:
● Location: Sits atop the brainstem.
● Functions:
● Acts as a relay station for sensory information (except smell) to the
cerebral cortex.
● Plays a role in consciousness and alertness.
​ Hypothalamus:
● Location: Below the thalamus.
● Functions:
● Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.
● Controls the endocrine system by influencing the pituitary gland.
​ Limbic System:
● Components:
● Amygdala, hippocampus, and other structures.
● Functions:
● Involved in emotions, memory formation, and the sense of smell.
● Amygdala: Processes emotions, particularly fear.
● Hippocampus: Critical for the formation of new memories.

Understanding the functions of these brain regions provides insight into how different aspects
of our behavior, cognition, and bodily functions are regulated and coordinated. It's important to
note that many brain functions involve collaboration between multiple regions, and ongoing
research continues to deepen our understanding of this remarkable organ.

Comparative Anatomies – Frog, worm, grasshopper:

What are some similarities and differences?
 Feature Frog Worm Grasshopper

Bilaterally symmetrical,
Bilaterally symmetrical, Simple nervous system
centralized nervous
Nervous centralized nervous with paired cerebral
system. Includes a brain
System Type system. Includes a ganglia (primitive brain)
and a ventral nerve
brain and spinal cord. and a ventral nerve cord.
cord.

Paired cerebral ganglia

Central Brain (supraesophageal
(primitive brain)
Nervous Brain and spinal cord. ganglion) connected to
connected by a ventral
System a ventral nerve cord.
nerve cord.

Peripheral nerves Limited peripheral Peripheral nerves

Peripheral
extend from the spinal nervous system. Nerves extend from the brain.
Nervous
cord. Includes sensory extend from cerebral Includes sensory and
System
and motor neurons. ganglia. motor neurons.

Compound eyes,
Simple sensory organs,
Sensory Eyes, ears, olfactory antennae, and sensory
mainly sensitive to touch
Organs organs. hairs on various body
and chemicals.
parts.

Voluntary and Limited voluntary muscle Voluntary muscle

Motor Function involuntary muscle control. Mostly involuntary control, especially in the
control. muscle actions. legs for jumping.

Exhibits reflex actions Exhibits simple reflexes Exhibits reflex actions,

Reflexes mediated by the spinal but lacks a well-defined especially in response
cord. spinal cord. to stimuli like touch.

Neuronal More complex neural Intermediate complexity

Simple neural networks.
Complexity networks. in neural networks.

Amphibious, with both

Terrestrial, often found in Terrestrial, typically in
Habitat aquatic and terrestrial
damp environments. grassy or open areas.
phases.

Please note that this table provides a broad overview, and the nervous systems of these organisms can
vary within their respective groups. Additionally, the complexity of the nervous system does not
necessarily correlate with an organism's position on the evolutionary scale. The table simplifies the
comparison for general understanding.
Check Your Understanding

Structure Somatic Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System

(SNS) (ANS)

**Effectors (Muscles)** Skeletal muscles Smooth muscles (in internal

organs), cardiac muscles
(heart)

**Sensory Receptors** Nociceptors (pain receptors), Baroreceptors (detect

photoreceptors changes in blood pressure),
chemoreceptors

**Motor Neurons** Alpha motor neurons Preganglionic neurons,

(innervate skeletal muscles) Postganglionic neurons

**Control Consciousness** Voluntary movements Involuntary functions

(heartbeat, digestion)

**Neurotransmitters** Acetylcholine (at Acetylcholine

neuromuscular junctions) (parasympathetic),
Norepinephrine (sympathetic)
**Ganglia Presence** No ganglia Prevertebral and paravertebral
ganglia

**Response Speed** Rapid, immediate Slower, more sustained

**Examples of Actions** Walking, talking, jumping

Situation Somatic Nervous Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

System (SNS)

**Standing outside in **Skeletal Muscles:** **Smooth Muscles:** Pupillary sphincter

direct sunlight** Posture and movements muscles of the iris, adjusting to control
under voluntary control, the amount of light entering the eyes.
e.g., standing or walking.

**Sensory Receptors:** **Sweat Glands:** Activated to release

Skin receptors detecting sweat, regulating body temperature.
warmth or heat.

**Motor Neurons:** Signal **Blood Vessels:** Vasodilation

voluntary muscle (expansion of blood vessels) to dissipate
movements. heat and maintain body temperature.

**Sympathetic Nervous System:**

Activated to increase heart rate and
dilate airways in response to increased
body temperature.

**Parasympathetic Nervous System:**

Can play a role in maintaining a steady
state in response to temperature
changes.

**Adrenal Glands:** Release adrenaline

for increased alertness and energy.
 Situation Somatic Nervous Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
System (SNS)

**Standing outside in the **Skeletal Muscles:** **Smooth Muscles:** Contraction of

cold** Shivering (involuntary blood vessels (vasoconstriction) to
muscle contractions) for conserve heat.
warmth.

**Sensory Receptors:** **Skeletal Muscles:** Activation of

Skin receptors detecting piloerector muscles (raising hairs) in
cold. response to cold.

**Motor Neurons:** Signal **Sweat Glands:** Reduced activity to

voluntary muscle conserve heat.
movements.

**Sympathetic Nervous System:**

Activated to increase metabolic rate and
generate heat.

**Brown Adipose Tissue:** Involved in

non-shivering thermogenesis (heat
production).

**Parasympathetic Nervous System:**

Can play a role in maintaining a steady
state in response to temperature
changes.

Situation Somatic Nervous Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

System (SNS)

**Feeling hungry** **Skeletal Muscles:** **Smooth Muscles:** Contraction of

Voluntary movements digestive tract muscles for peristalsis.
associated with seeking
and consuming food.

**Sensory Receptors:** **Salivary Glands:** Increased saliva

Taste and smell receptors production in response to the anticipation
in the mouth and nose. of food.

**Motor Neurons:** Signal **Pancreas:** Release of insulin or

voluntary muscle glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.
movements, including
those involved in chewing
and swallowing.

**Stomach:** Increased acid production

and motility in preparation for digestion.
 **Sympathetic Nervous System:**
Decreased digestive activity (fight or
flight response).

**Parasympathetic Nervous System:**

Increased digestive activity (rest and
digest response).

Check Your Understanding

Putting it All Together:
We have learned about four animal organ systems in some detail: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and
nervous. Choose a combination of two systems, and explain how they interact (work with each other).
For example: How does the circulatory system interact with the respiratory system? In what ways do
they benefit each other?
Create 2-3 combinations. Challenge? Use the other organ systems that we have mentioned.

Here are explanations of how two organ systems interact and benefit each other for three
combinations: circulatory-respiratory, digestive-circulatory, and nervous-muscular.

1. Circulatory System and Respiratory System:

Interaction:

● The circulatory system and respiratory system work closely together to facilitate the
exchange of gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide.
● The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the removal of
carbon dioxide from the body.
● The circulatory system, specifically the blood, transports oxygen from the lungs to the
body's tissues and carries carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs for
exhalation.

Benefit:

● Oxygen is crucial for cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy.
The circulatory-respiratory interaction ensures a constant supply of oxygen to cells and
the removal of waste carbon dioxide, optimizing the efficiency of cellular functions.
● This cooperation allows the body to adapt to varying oxygen demands, such as during
exercise, when the respiratory rate and circulatory output increase to meet the
heightened oxygen needs.

2. Digestive System and Circulatory System:

Interaction:
 ● The digestive system breaks down ingested food into nutrients (e.g., glucose, amino
acids, fatty acids) through processes like digestion and absorption.
● The circulatory system, through the blood vessels, transports these nutrients to various
cells and tissues for energy production, growth, and repair.

Benefit:

● Nutrients obtained from the digestive system provide the building blocks for cellular
activities and are essential for the body's metabolic functions.
● The circulatory system ensures the efficient distribution of nutrients, allowing cells
throughout the body to receive the necessary substances for their proper functioning.
● Waste products generated by cells, such as carbon dioxide and urea, are transported by
the circulatory system to organs like the lungs and kidneys for elimination.

3. Nervous System and Muscular System:

Interaction:

● The nervous system sends signals to the muscular system to initiate voluntary and
involuntary muscle contractions.
● Sensory neurons in the muscular system provide feedback to the nervous system about
muscle tension, length, and position.

Benefit:

● The nervous system controls the precise and coordinated movement of muscles,
allowing for activities ranging from simple motions to complex actions.
● Feedback from the muscular system helps the nervous system adjust and refine motor
commands, contributing to balance, posture, and the execution of skilled movements.
● Reflex actions, coordinated by the nervous system, protect the body from harm by
triggering rapid and involuntary muscle responses to stimuli.

These interactions illustrate the intricate connections between different organ systems,
highlighting the synergy necessary for maintaining homeostasis and supporting the overall
function of the organism.

The Neuron
Neuron Basics:
​ What is a Neuron?
● A neuron is a specialized cell that is the basic building block of the nervous
system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
● Neurons are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.
​ Structure of a Neuron:
● Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and other cellular organelles.
● Dendrites: Branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons or
sensory receptors.
● Axon: A long, cable-like extension that carries signals away from the cell body.
● Axon Terminal: The end of the axon that communicates with other cells.
​ Types of Neurons:
● Sensory Neurons: Transmit sensory information from the senses (like touch or
vision) to the central nervous system.
● Motor Neurons: Carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles or
glands, controlling movements or secretions.
● Interneurons (or Association Neurons): Connect sensory and motor neurons,
playing a role in processing information within the central nervous system.

How Neurons Communicate:

​ Synapse:
● A synapse is a small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the
dendrites of another.
● Neurons communicate through chemical signals called neurotransmitters that
travel across the synapse.
​ Action Potential:
● Neurons transmit electrical signals known as action potentials.
● When a neuron is stimulated, it undergoes a rapid change in electrical charge,
creating a wave of electrical activity along the axon.
​ Neurotransmitters:
● Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by neurons to transmit signals to other
neurons or cells.
● Examples include serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine.

Neuron Function:
​ Receiving Information:
● Dendrites receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors. The strength
and frequency of these signals determine whether the neuron will generate an
action potential.
​ Integration:
● The cell body integrates incoming signals. If the combined signals surpass a
certain threshold, the neuron generates an action potential.
​ Transmission of Signals:
 ● The action potential travels along the axon, acting as a rapid communication
signal.
​ Synaptic Transmission:
● At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal and bind
to receptors on the dendrites of the next neuron, transmitting the signal.
​ Adaptation and Plasticity:
● Neurons can adapt and change their structure and function in response to
experiences, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity.

Understanding the basics of neurons is crucial for grasping how the nervous system functions.
Neurons work together in intricate networks to process information, transmit signals, and
regulate various bodily functions.

Practice

Nervous System
Image result for cns vs pns

* __________________________ of neurons throughout

the body.
* _______________________ and
_______________________ the activities of the entire
body.
* ______________________ changes in the environment
and ____________________.
* Two parts: _____________________ nervous system
(CNS) and _____________________________ nervous
system (PNS).

Human Nervous System

CNS – consists of the ___________________________________________ and analyses incoming
information, stores it, and issues instructions.
* __________________________________________ allow sensory and motor neurons to
communicate with each other, and connect various neurons within the brain and spinal cord

PNS – has peripheral nerves that _________________________________ between the CNS and the
rest of the body.
* ______________________________ are found in sensory organs and
________________________________ (receive information), which it then sends to the CNS.
* ______________________________ control the
______________________________________________ to the stimulus. They relay information from
the CNS to either the ________________________ nervous system (controls
________________________ movements) or to the ______________________________ nervous
system (controls _____________________________ responses).

Reflex Arc
The Brain
1
2
3
4
5

Comparative Anatomies – Frog, worm, grasshopper:

* What are some similarities and differences?

Sample test
Section A: Multiple Choice
1. What is the primary function of the nervous system?
a. Digestion
b. Transportation of oxygen
c. Coordination and regulation of body activities
d. Reproduction

2. Which part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and personality?

a. Cerebellum
b. Frontal lobe
c. Medulla oblongata
d. Occipital lobe

3. The autonomic nervous system controls:

a. Voluntary movements
b. Involuntary movements
c. Both voluntary and involuntary movements
d. None of the above

4. Which of the following is a sensory neuron responsible for vision?

a. Motor neuron
b. Photoreceptor
c. Interneuron
d. Olfactory neuron

5. The myelin sheath is important for:

a. Speeding up the conduction of nerve impulses
b. Providing structural support to neurons
c. Regulating neurotransmitter release
d. Storing energy

Answer Key
Section A: Multiple Choice
​ c. Coordination and regulation of body activities
​ b. Frontal lobe
​ b. Involuntary movements
​ b. Photoreceptor
​ a. Speeding up the conduction of nerve impulses

Section B: Short Answer

6. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining balance, and
fine-tuning motor skills.
​ Synaptic transmission is the process by which nerve cells communicate at synapses. It involves
the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron, which bind to receptors on the
postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal.
​ The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral
nervous system (PNS) consists of nerves and ganglia outside the CNS. The CNS processes
and integrates information, while the PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the

What is the main function of the nervous system?

 ​ a. To transport oxygen
b. To regulate body temperature
c. To process information and generate responses
d. To produce hormones

Which part of the brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making
and personality?
​ a. Cerebellum
b. Medulla Oblongata
c. Frontal Lobe
d. Occipital Lobe

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for involuntary bodily functions like heart
rate and digestion?
​ a. Central Nervous System
b. Somatic Nervous System
c. Autonomic Nervous System
d. Peripheral Nervous System

What is the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

​ a. They transport oxygen in the blood.
b. They regulate body temperature.
c. They transmit signals between neurons.
d. They store energy in the cells.

Which of the following is an example of a reflex action?

​ a. Smiling at a friend
b. Blinking when a bright light is suddenly turned on
c. Deciding what to eat for lunch
d. Riding a bicycle

The part of the neuron that carries signals away from the cell body is called:
​ a. Axon
b. Dendrite
c. Synapse
d. Nucleus

What is the main function of the cerebellum?

​ a. Regulating body temperature
b. Coordinating voluntary muscle movements
c. Processing visual information
d. Controlling involuntary bodily functions

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for fight or flight responses?
​ a. Sympathetic Nervous System
b. Parasympathetic Nervous System
 c. Somatic Nervous System
d. Enteric Nervous System

What is the purpose of the myelin sheath in neurons?

​ a. To transmit signals between neurons.
b. To protect the neuron and increase the speed of signal transmission.
c. To store neurotransmitters.
d. To regulate body temperature.

The spinal cord is a part of which division of the nervous system?

​ a. Central Nervous System
b. Peripheral Nervous System
c. Autonomic Nervous System
d. Somatic Nervous System

Section 2: Short Answer (10 points)

​ Explain the role of the autonomic nervous system in the body. (2 points)
​ Describe the process of synaptic transmission. (2 points)
​ What is the function of the sensory neurons in the nervous system? (2 points)
​ How does the nervous system contribute to maintaining homeostasis in the body? (2
points)
​ Define and explain the significance of neuroplasticity. (2 points)

Section 3: True or False (10 points)

​ True or False: The medulla oblongata is responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle
movements.
​ True or False: The parasympathetic nervous system is activated during the fight or flight
response.
​ True or False: Neurons can adapt and change their structure and function in response to
experiences.
​ True or False: The spinal cord is part of the peripheral nervous system.
​ True or False: The cerebellum is primarily involved in processing visual information.

Answer Key

Section 1: Multiple Choice

​ c. To process information and generate responses
​ c. Frontal Lobe
​ c. Autonomic Nervous System
 ​ c. They transmit signals between neurons.
​ b. Blinking when a bright light is suddenly turned on
​ a. Axon
​ b. Coordinating voluntary muscle movements
​ a. Sympathetic Nervous System
​ b. To protect the neuron and increase the speed of signal transmission.
​ a. Central Nervous System

Section 2: Short Answer

​ The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart
rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It has two divisions: the sympathetic nervous
system (activating fight or flight responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system
(promoting rest and digestion).
​ Synaptic transmission is the process by which neurons communicate. When an action
potential reaches the axon terminal, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse.
These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the next neuron, transmitting the signal.
​ Sensory neurons transmit information from sensory organs or receptors to the central
nervous system. They play a crucial role in detecting stimuli from the environment, such
as touch, temperature, and pain.
​ The nervous system contributes to maintaining homeostasis by regulating physiological
processes. For example, it controls body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose
levels, ensuring a stable internal environment.
​ Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to
experiences. It allows neurons to form new connections, reorganize, and modify their
structure, contributing to learning and memory.

Section 3: True or False

​ False
​ False
​ True
​ False
​ False