The Nervous System

The nervous system is a highly complex part of an animal that coordinates its actions
and sensory information by transmitting signals to and from different parts of its body.

The nervous system detects environmental changes that impact the body, then works in
tandem with the endocrine system to respond to such events.

This module contains five inter-related exercises that challenge you to investigate the human
nervous system and culminates with an exploration of the reflex arc concepts.

FUNCTIONS of the NERVOUS SYSTEM

1. communication center” of the body

2. Receiving sensory signals
3. Integration of information
4. Controls muscular & glandular activities
5. Regulates and maintains homeostasis
6. Establishment & maintenance of mental activities

NERVES and REFLEXES

A reflex action often involves a very simple nervous pathway called a reflex arc. A reflex
arc starts with receptors being excited. They then send signals along a sensory neuron
to your spinal cord, where the signals are passed on to a motor neuron. As a result,
one of your muscles or glands is stimulated.

Learning Objectives

When you finish this exercise, you should be able to

1. Describe the structural components of a typical neuron and identify them using a model
or chart 2. Outline the features of a reflex arc and apply this model to specific pathways 3.
Demonstrate nerve reflexes in human subject

The NEURON

The neuron is the basic working unit of the brain

a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.

Neurons are cells within the nervous system that transmit information to other nerve cells,
muscle, or gland cells. Most neurons have a cell body, an axon, and dendrites.
 Source: https://training.seer.cancer.gov/brain/tumors/anatomy/neurons.html

NEURON

Receives stimuli
Conducts action potential
Transmits signals to other neurons
TYPES OF NEURON

Source:
https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/types-neurons
GLIAL CELLS
are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and
the peripheral nervous system that do not produce electrical impulses.
They maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection
for neurons.
Although neuroglia somewhat resembles neurons structurally, they are not able
to transmit nerve impulses, a function that is highly developed in neurons.
Another critical difference is that neuroglia
never lose their ability to divide, whereas most
neurons do.

Source: https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain-basics/brain/brain-physiology/types-glia