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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 N ervous S ystem
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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 axons • Dendrites– carry nerve impulse to the neuron • Axons – 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 Cerebrum • The Cerebellum • The 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!