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Understanding the Nervous System: Functions, Structure & Communication

Explore the functions, structure, and communication processes of the nervous system. Learn about neurons, synapses, and how impulses travel, shaping our consciousness and responses to stimuli. Discover the intricate network of neurons that enable movement, sensation, and cognition.

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Understanding the Nervous System: Functions, Structure & Communication

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  1. Section 35-2: The Nervous System

  2. The Nervous System: Main Function • The nervous system controls and coordinates functions throughout the body and responds to internal and external stimuli.

  3. A. What are some specific functions of the Nervous System? • 1. Receives sensory messages from the external environment • 2. Organizes information and integrates it with already stored information • 3. Sends out messages to muscles and glands, producing movement and secretions • 4. Allows for consciousness

  4. B. What makes up the Nervous System? • The basic unit of structure and function of the nervous system is a neuron (nerve cell).

  5. Pictures of Neurons

  6. C. What are the 3 Main Types of Neurons? • 1.Sensory Neurons(sensory = of the senses) -receive information from receptors in sense organs • 2. Interneurons(inter- = between) -relay messages between neurons • 3. Motor Neurons (motor = causing motion) -give instructions to effectors (glands or muscles)

  7. Nucleus Axon terminals Cell body Myelin sheath Axon Nodes Dendrites D. What is the Structure of a Neuron? 1. Cell body: Contains the nucleus and other cell organelles 2. Dendrites: Short, branched extensions of the cell body *Function: receive stimuli* 3. Axon: long, thin extension of the cell body *Function: sends nerve impulses away from the cell body* (Remember “A” for away!)

  8. E. How do Neurons Communicate? • “The brain is a monstrous, beautiful mess. Its billions of nerve cells - called neurons – lie in a tangled web that displays cognitive powers far exceeding any of the silicon machines we have built to mimic it.” -William F. Allman

  9. Steps for How Neurons Communicate • 1. Dendrites receive the signal (action potential) which then travels down to the axon of the first neuron. • 2. When the signal reaches the end of the axon, the axon releases chemicals called neurotransmitters. ex. acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin • 3. Neurotransmitters enter into the space between the 2 neurons, called the synaptic cleft. • 4. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on dendrites of the next neuron thereby passing on the signal.

  10. The Synapse = junction between two neurons Section 35-2 Direction of Impulse Dendrite of adjacent neuron Axon Receptor Vesicle Axon terminal Synaptic cleft Neurotransmitter

  11. Another Diagram of a Synapse

  12. Synapse Animation Synaptic Transmission • Click the image to play the video segment.

  13. Threshold • Strength of impulse is always the same • It is an all or nothing response: An impulse either occurs or does not occur (like dominoes) • Minimum level of stimulation to cause an impulse is called the threshold

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