Explore the nervous system's role in coordinating bodily functions and processing sensory information. It includes the CNS and PNS, with neurons and glial cells facilitating communication. Evolutionary perspectives show a progression from simple nerve nets to complex mammalian systems, highlighting the diversity and adaptability of nervous system architectures across species.
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The nervous system is a complex network responsible for coordinating the body's activities and processing sensory information
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The PNS consists of all the nerves extending from the CNS to the rest of the body
Somatic Nervous System
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions
Enteric Nervous System
The enteric nervous system specifically governs the gastrointestinal tract
Nervous systems vary greatly in complexity across different animal species
The nervous system is believed to have evolved around 600 million years ago in simple, wormlike organisms
The fundamental purpose of the nervous system is to facilitate rapid communication within the organism
Neurons transmit electrochemical signals to communicate with other neurons, muscles, or glands
Synapses are junctions between neurons or target cells where communication occurs
Glial cells provide structural support, insulation, and regulation of the extracellular environment in the nervous system
The vertebrate nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The CNS is protected by the meninges and encased in bone
Somatic Nervous System
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system manages involuntary physiological functions
The CNS is composed of gray matter, consisting of neuron cell bodies, and white matter, composed of myelinated axons that transmit signals rapidly
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Central vs. Peripheral Nervous System
CNS consists of brain/spinal cord, processes info; PNS made of nerves outside CNS, connects CNS to body.
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Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System
Somatic controls voluntary movements; Autonomic regulates involuntary functions.
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Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Systems
Sympathetic triggers fight/flight response; Parasympathetic promotes rest/digest functions.
