A PRESENTATION

BY ALT A
1
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Objectives:
 Understand the structure and functions of the nervous
system
 Explore the different components of the nervous system
 Learn about the types of neurons and their roles.
 Examine the transmission of nerve impulses
 Discuss the central and peripheral nervous systems
 Highlight common disorders and diseases of the nervous
system
2
• The nervous system is a complex
network of nerves and cells that
controls and regulates all bodily
functions, including movement,
sensation, thought, emotion, and
memory. It is made up of two main
parts: the central nervous system
(CNS) and the peripheral nervous
system (PNS)

3
 Structure of the nervous system; The central
nervous system (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous
system (PNS)

• CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: Brain PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:

and Spinal cord nerves and ganglia outside the CNS

4
 THE TRANSMISSION OF NERVE IMPULSES

This process of transmitting nerve impulses allows for

communication between neurons, enabling the nervous
system to coordinate and regulate various physiological
functions and behaviors.

The transmission of nerve

impulses, also known as nerve
signals or action potentials, is a
complex electrochemical process
that occurs between neurons and
allows for communication within
the nervous system

5
 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
• BRAIN: Control center of the nervous • SPINAL CORD: Connects the brain to
system, responsible for cognition, the PNS, relays signals between the brain
emotions, and motor control and the rest of the body

6
THE BRAIN CON’T
• There are three main sections;
 Cerebrum; 2 hemispheres
controls memory
intelligence, muscles.
 Cerebellum; controls balance, posture and coordination
 Brainstem; controls involuntary activities such as breathing.

7
 THE CEREBRUM
• The cerebrum is the largest and most prominent part of the
brain in humans. It is responsible for many higher cognitive
functions, including thought, perception, and voluntary actions.
The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres—left and right—
connected by a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus
callosum. Each hemisphere is further divided into four main
lobes: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital
lobe.
• The cerebrum also contains the cerebral cortex, a highly folded
and convoluted outer layer of gray matter.

8
9
THE CEREBELLUM
The cerebellum is a distinct structure located at the
back of the brain, just below the occipital lobes of
the cerebrum. While the cerebrum is primarily
responsible for higher cognitive functions, the
cerebellum is involved in the coordination and
regulation of voluntary muscle movements, balance,
and posture. Here are some key aspects of the
cerebellum:
If the cerebellum is injured, your movements
becomes jerky.
The cerebellum is a vital structure for motor control
and coordination, contribution to precise and well-
coordinated movements essential for daily activities. 10

When you see an amazing athlete perform, you are

 How are neurons connected?
• Synapses!!

11
 What is synapse?
•Synapse is a specialized junction that
transfers nerve impulse information
between neurons or between neuron and
an effector cell.
12
 Mechanism of
synaptic
transmission

• Chemical synapses
• Electrical Synapses

13
 "I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She
looked surprised."
Note: This joke plays on the idea of facial expressions and the
surprise expression associated with raised eyebrows, which involves
motor control and coordination associated with the cerebellum.

14
 THE BRAINSTEM
 The brainstem is a critical part of the brain located at the base of
the brain, connecting the brain to the spinal cord. It serves as a
relay station between the brain and the rest of the body,
facilitating many essential functions.
 The brainstem is a vital part of the central nervous system,
regulating fundamental life processes and serving as a conduit
for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It
integrates and coordinates various functions essential for
survival and daily activities. It consists of the midbrain, medulla
oblongata, and the pons.

15
16
 PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
• AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM:
SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM:
Controls voluntary movements and
transmits sensory information.
Regulates involuntary bodily functions,
(e.g., heart rate, digestion).
 SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM: Activates the “fight – flight”
response
PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM: Controls rest, digestion, and
relaxation.
17
 FUNCTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
 SENSORY: Gathering information from
sensory receptors and transmitting it to the
CNS
 INTEGRATION: Processing and interpreting
sensory information
 MOTOR: Sending signals from the CNS to
muscles and glands for appropriate responses

18
 COMPONENTS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

• NEURONS: Basic building blocks of • GLIAL CELLS: Support and

the nervous system; transmit electrical protect neurons, provide nourishment, and
signals. maintain homeostasis

19
 TYPES OF NEURONS

• SENSORY NEURONS: Transmit sensory • MOTOR NEURONS: Transmit signals

information from sensory receptors to the CNS from the CNS to muscles and glands

INTERNEURONS: Found within the CNS,

facilitate communication between sensory and motor
neurons.

20
 STRUCTURE OF A NEURON

• CELL BODY: Contains the nucleus and

other organelles
• DENDRITES: Receives signals from other
neurons or sensory receptors
• AXON: Carries electrical signals away from
the cell body
• SYNAPSE: Junction between two neurons
where communication occurs

21
 DISORDERS AND DISEASES OF THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM
he nervous system can be affected by various
disorders and diseases that impact its structure
and function
 Stroke
 Alzheimer’s disease
 Parkinson’s disease
 Multiple Sclerosis(MS)
 Epilepsy
 Migraine
 Peripheral neuropathy
 Traumatic brain injury
22
 23

Alzheimers disease…memory loss

24