Topic 3:

Explain how the nervous systems detect external and internal signals, transmit and
integrate information, and produce responses
The Nervous System
Learning objectives: {4.1}
• 3.1 Explain the structure and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems
• 3.2 Describe the types nervous tissue including neuron structure (sensory/afferent, motor/efferent
accessory/intermediate) and nerve fibers
• 3.3 Identify the white matter, grey matter and the major parts of the brain (medulla oblongata, cerebellum,
thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex) and spinal cord
• 3.4 Recognize the nerve pathways including the reflex arc; afferent nerve fibers and efferent nerve fibers
• 3.5 Describe the autonomic nervous system: sympathetic, parasympathetic and the roles of each in
regulating internal body functions, feedback mechanisms and homeostasis
• 3.6 Explain, using visuals, the typical neuron structure (cell body, axon, dendrites, axon terminal and myelin
sheath in most axons as electrical insulator)
• 3.7 Relate how the structure of the neuron allows for the detection, generation, transmission and
integration of signal information
• 3.8 Describe the structure and the function of Schwann cells
Learning objectives: {4.1}
3.9 Explain that the nervous system consists of circuits of neurons and supporting cells

3.10 Discuss how the nervous systems processes information in three stages: sensory input, integration, and motor output

3.11 Explain how the membranes of the neurons are polarized by establishing electrical potential across the membrane

3.12 Describe how interpreting signals in the nervous system involves sorting a complex set of neuronal paths and
connections

3.13 Relate how the sodium and potassium Na+/K+ gated channel responds to a stimulus

3.14 Describe, using visuals, how neurons communicate with other cells at synapses through chemicals (neurotransmitters)

3.15 Describe the function of pain relief medication

3.1 Explain the structure and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems
 The Central Nervous System

• The nervous
system consists
of two major
divisions:
• Central
nervous
system
• Peripheral
nervous
system
3.2 Describe the types nervous tissue including neuron structure (sensory/afferent,
motor/efferent accessory/intermediate) and nerve fibers
3.3 Identify the white matter, grey matter and the major parts of the brain (medulla oblongata,
cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex) and spinal cord
3.4 Recognize the nerve pathways including the reflex arc; afferent nerve fibers and efferent
nerve fibers
3.5 Describe the autonomic nervous system: sympathetic, parasympathetic

Stress
Rest
Autonomic nervous system
• The autonomic nervous system is important in two
different kinds of situations. When you have a
nightmare or find yourself in a scary situation, your
body responds with what is known as a fight-or-
flight response. When everything is calm, your body
rests and digests.
Stress Rest
3.5 Describe the autonomic nervous system: sympathetic, parasympathetic and the roles of each in
regulating internal body functions, feedback mechanisms and homeostasis
• 3.6 Explain, using visuals, the typical neuron structure (cell body,
axon, dendrites, axon terminal and myelin sheath in most axons as
electrical insulator)
• 3.7 Relate how the structure of the neuron allows for the
detection, generation, transmission and integration of signal
information
• 3.8 Describe the structure and the function of Schwann cells
3.10 Discuss how the nervous systems processes information in three stages: sensory input,
integration, and motor output
3.11 Explain how the membranes of the neurons are polarized by establishing electrical potential across
the membrane
3.13 Relate how the sodium and potassium Na+/K+ gated channel responds to a stimulus
Neuron at Rest
• When a neuron is at rest, as shown in Figure below, it is not conducting
an impulse. Notice that there are more sodium ions (Na+) outside the cell
than inside the cell. The reverse is true for potassium ions (K+)—there are
more potassium ions inside the cell than outside the cell.
4.1.5 Explain how a nerve impulse is transmitted in the synapse
3.12 Describe how interpreting signals in the nervous system involves sorting a
complex set of neuronal paths and connections
3.14 Describe, using visuals, how neurons communicate with other cells at synapses through chemicals
(neurotransmitters)
Exocytosis
3.15 Describe the function of pain relief
medication
• Pain relievers work with your cells, your body’s nerve endings, your
nervous sytem and your brain to keep you from feeling the pain.