The Central Nervous System

The Nervous System The Central Nervous System consists of the

brain and the spinal cord Nerves branching off the brain and spinal cord

make up the Peripheral Nervous System These two work together to tell the brain what

is happening inside and outside the body Makes sure the body responds appropriately to

the messages sent The taking in and reporting of information is

called homeostasis

The Nervous System

Made of special cells called neurons Each neuron contains dendrites and

axonsDendrites– carry nerve impulse to the

neuronAxons – carry impulses (information)

away from the neuron

How it works… An impulse reaches the top of an axon and

jumps to another via an electrical impulse at the synapse (structure that permits a neuron to pass a signal to another cell).

The axon then releases a chemical that allows the impulse to cross the synapse to the next neuron.

This is how messages travel through the nervous system

Time to Brainstorm!!

Can you think of an example in which a message is instantly received by the brain and the body appropriately reacts to the stimulus? Discuss with your group.

The Brain

The main information center of the body Messages travel to the brain through the

synapses of the neurons in the central nervous system

The brain interprets this information and allows the body to act upon it

Three parts of the brain

The CerebrumThe CerebellumThe Brain Stem

(Medulla)

The Cerebrum Largest area of the brain Makes up 85% of brain’s weight Found at the front of the brain Divided into a right (music, colors, and

shapes) and left (math, logic, and speech) half (hemisphere)

Functions include learning, interpreting information, logical reasoning, abstract thought, speech and language, vision, interpreting the senses, and memory (short term and long term)

The Cerebellum

Second largest area of the brain Controls voluntary muscle movement Controls balance, movement, and

coordination

The Brain Stem (Medulla) Found between the spinal cord and cerebellum Connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord Sorts through the millions of messages that the

brain and the rest of the body send back and forth

Controls all your body’s involuntary actions Controls breathing, heartbeat, digesting food,

circulating blood, and salivating for example

Be Good To Your Brain Eat healthy foods. They contain potassium and

calcium, two minerals that are important for the nervous system.

Get a lot of playtime (exercise). Wear a helmet when you ride your bike or play

other sports that require head protection. Don't drink alcohol, take drugs, or use tobacco. Use your brain by doing challenging activities,

such as puzzles, reading, playing music, making art, or anything else that gives your brain a workout!

http://www.edheads.org/activities/brain_stimulation/swf/index.htm