CORTES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

CLASS: HUMAN BIOLOGY

TEACHER: Mrs. Carol Belisle

STUDENT: David Toledo

1 TERM 2 SEMESTER
11TH GRADE
10/3/24
 WHAT IS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between
different parts of the body. It is responsible for coordinating and controlling various bodily
functions and responses to stimuli. The nervous system can be divided into two main parts:
1. Central Nervous System (CNS): This includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain
serves as the control center of the body, receiving and interpreting sensory information
and sending out instructions to the rest of the body. The spinal cord acts as a conduit for
signals between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): This consists of all the nerves outside of the brain
and spinal cord. The PNS is further divided into the somatic nervous system and the
autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements
and transmits sensory information to the CNS, while the autonomic nervous system
regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.
The nervous system functions through the transmission of electrical signals called nerve
impulses or action potentials. These signals are carried by specialized cells called neurons,
which are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. Neurons communicate with each
other and with other cells through junctions called synapses, where neurotransmitters are
released to transmit signals from one neuron to another.
Overall, the nervous system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, coordinating
movement, processing sensory information, regulating bodily functions, and facilitating
complex cognitive processes such as learning and memory.
¿What are neurons?
Neurons are specialized cells that are the building blocks of the nervous system. They are
responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout the body, enabling
communication between different parts of the nervous system and coordinating various bodily
functions.
Neurons have several key components:

 Cell Body (Soma): This is the main part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and
other organelles necessary for the cell's functioning.
 Dendrites: These are branched extensions that receive signals from other neurons and
transmit them toward the cell body.
 Axon: This is a long, slender projection that carries signals away from the cell body and
toward other neurons or target cells. Some neurons have a single, long axon, while
others have multiple shorter axon branches.
 Axon Terminal: At the end of the axon, there are specialized structures called axon
terminals or synaptic terminals. These terminals form synapses with other neurons or
target cells and release neurotransmitters to transmit signals to these cells.
 Neurons communicate with each other and with other cells through junctions called
synapses. When an electrical signal, known as an action potential, reaches the axon
terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. These
neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the dendrites or cell bodies of neighboring
neurons, initiating new electrical signals in those cells.
There are several types of neurons in the nervous system, including sensory neurons, which
transmit sensory information from the body to the brain; motor neurons, which transmit signals
from the brain to muscles and glands; and interneurons, which form connections between other
neurons and integrate information within the nervous system. Overall, neurons play a crucial
role in processing information, coordinating bodily functions, and facilitating communication
within the nervous system.
TYPES OF NEURONS
1. Sensory Neurons: These neurons are specialized to detect stimuli from the external
environment or from within the body. They transmit information about sensations such
as touch, temperature, pain, and sight to the central nervous system for processing.
2. Motor Neurons: Motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to
muscles and glands, controlling movement and triggering glandular secretion. They
play a crucial role in executing voluntary and involuntary movements.
3. Interneurons: Interneurons, also known as association neurons, are found entirely
within the central nervous system. They connect sensory and motor neurons and play a
key role in processing and integrating information within the nervous system.
Interneurons are involved in complex cognitive processes, including decision-making,
learning, and memory.
4. Multipolar Neurons: These neurons have multiple dendrites and a single axon. They
are the most common type of neuron in the central nervous system and are involved in a
wide range of functions, including sensory processing, motor control, and cognitive
processing.
5. Bipolar Neurons: Bipolar neurons have two distinct processes: one dendrite and one
axon. They are found in specialized sensory organs such as the retina of the eye and the
olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity, where they play a role in transmitting sensory
information.
6. Unipolar Neurons: Unipolar neurons have a single process that extends from the cell
body and then branches into two distinct parts: one acts as a dendrite, receiving sensory
input, while the other acts as an axon, transmitting signals to the central nervous system.
Unipolar neurons are primarily involved in sensory processing, particularly in the
transmission of touch and pain sensations.
7. Pseudounipolar Neurons: These neurons have a single process that splits into two
branches, resembling both dendrites and axons. They are commonly found in the
peripheral nervous system, where they transmit sensory information from the body to
the central nervous system.

CONCLUSION

These are the primary types of neurons, but there can be further subdivisions and
variations based on specific characteristics and functions. Each type of neuron plays a
unique role in the complex network of the nervous system, contributing to sensory
perception, motor control, and higher cognitive functions. And the Nervous system is
one of the most Important systems in our body and his significance is one of the main
systems that controls body movement, and their role with the neurons make the body
function in completely adapt with the brain.