Science: Quarter 3 - Module 3: The Nervous System and Feedback Mechanisms
Science: Quarter 3 - Module 3: The Nervous System and Feedback Mechanisms
Science: Quarter 3 - Module 3: The Nervous System and Feedback Mechanisms
Quarter 3 – Module 3:
The Nervous System and
Feedback Mechanisms
Science – Grade 10
Quarter 3 – Module 3: The Nervous System and Feedback Mechanisms
First Edition, 2020
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This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions,
directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to
understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you
step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each
SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if
you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better
understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer
the post-test to check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
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Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any
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If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering
the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or
facilitator.
Thank you.
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Let Us Learn!
Our body is made up of different organ-systems that work together to
maintain life. So far, you have been introduced to several organ-systems
such as the reproductive system and endocrine system and how they
function together through feedback mechanisms. Feedback mechanisms
play key roles that help organisms maintain homeostasis to reproduce and
survive. In this module, you will get to know and understand how the
nervous system operates and how it is regulated through feedback
mechanisms.
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
● Describe how the nervous system coordinates and regulates
these feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis
(S10LT-III-36).
More specifically, you will be able to:
● Identify the different parts of the nervous system with their
corresponding functions.
● Classify the different divisions of the nervous system.
● Describe how homeostasis is maintained by coordinating and
regulating feedback mechanisms.
Are you now ready to begin your journey in learning more about
nervous system? Before you begin, let us first check what you already know
about the nervous system, feedback mechanisms, and homeostasis.
Let Us Try!
Let us now check your prior knowledge and understanding about the
nervous system, feedback mechanisms, and homeostasis through this
pre-assessment. In every item, choose the letter that corresponds to the best
answer. Use a separate sheet for your answers. Do not write anything in this
module.
1. Which of the following is the basic unit of the nervous system?
a. Brain
b. Spinal cord
c. Neuron
d. Hormones.
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2. Which of the following parts of a neuron carries the action potential
away from the cell body?
a. Dendrite
b. Soma
c. Synapse
d. Axon
3. Which of the following divisions of the nervous system performs
processing and integration of information?
a. Peripheral nervous system
b. Central nervous system
c. Autonomic nervous system
d. Somatic nervous system
4. Which of the following is NOT included in the peripheral nervous
system?
a. the spinal cord.
b. sensory nerves.
c. motor nerves.
d. ganglia.
5. Which of the following causes the movement of a nerve impulse
along the length of a neuron?
a. Sodium and potassium ions along the cell membrane.
b. Neurotransmitters along the cell membrane.
c. Sodium and potassium ions through the cell membrane.
d. Neurotransmitters through the cell membrane.
6. Which of the following does the motor division of the peripheral
nervous system connects to the central nervous system?
a. muscles and sense organs
b. glands and sense organs
c. muscles and glands
d. spinal cord and muscles
7. Which of the following describes a negative feedback mechanism?
a. The effects of a stimulus in the body are enhanced.
b. The effects of a stimulus in the body are reduced.
c. The body does an effect to the environment.
d. The body receives stimulus from the environment.
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8. Which of the following detects changes in the body and environment
and sends impulses to the central nervous system?
a. Motor neurons
b. Brain cells
c. Sensory neurons
d. Effector cells
9. During ovulation, the ovary secretes high amounts of estrogen
hormone which stimulates the hypothalamus of the brain to release
an increased GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) which triggers
the release of more amount of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary
gland. Which of the following feedback mechanism is described in
this process?
a. Neutral feedback
b. Positive feedback
c. Negative feedback
d. Diminishing feedback
10. Which of the following initiates a homeostatic imbalance?
a. Stimulus that changes body internal stability.
b. Environmental changes detected by the body.
c. Intakes of substances such as food and beverages.
d. All of the above trigger homeostatic imbalance.
Let Us Study
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Every living organism has a mechanism that coordinates and integrates
information. For complex organisms such as humans, this mechanism is
performed by the nervous system. Have you ever wondered how you knew
that a blue color is “blue”? Or have you ever wondered why you remember
things, or be able to understand what is written in this module? The
answers to these questions lie in the role that our nervous system plays.
When we think about the nervous system, we often associate it with the
brain. But the nervous system is not just about the brain. It is a system
consisting of several organs, brain included, and tissues scattered
throughout our body. Let us acquaint ourselves with the parts and divisions
of the nervous system.
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A S O T M C I _____ nervous system; division
of nervous system associated
13 8 16 18 14 23 50 with voluntary movements
I O O A U C M T N _____ nervous system; division
of nervous system associated
70 9 1 51 55 52 17 39 72 with involuntary movements
E S H T C T I P A M Y _____ nervous system; division
of nervous system associated
63 12 64 73 68 21 41 5 28 26 66 with fight-flight responses
M R C A H I Y P T P T S A E A _____ nervous system; division
of nervous system associated
82 60 6 76 25 49 75 79 40 45 15 44 42 83 with rest-digest responses
Hidden Message
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
W
34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 36 49
G
47 12 50 51 52 53 36 54 55 56 57 58 55 14 2 59
F
60 61 1 39 7 42 57 58 62 63 34 64 65 10 66 67 5 13
G ,
68 55 36 34 69 70 20 10 71 59 72 29 39 7 5 13
F
19 24 73 9 40 74 48 75 10 37 24 63 46
G , G G
8 53 76 24 13 1 6 54 37 71
, G G
6 15 77 78 21 58 34 20 13 3 20 5 6 79 57 23 20
G
80 3 32 6 31 58 55 77 24 36
G ,
5
65 43 36 37 6 13 57 32 43 36 58 24 22 4 6
G
81 6 48 7 39 36 58 20 82 6 8 57 15 83 14 26 34 24
F G .
71 8 16 36 32 55 3 6
Guide Question
1. Think about this. Some animals do not
have a nervous system such as sponges
(Figure 1). How would these sponges
differ from other animals with nervous
system? Explain.
2. How do you think these sponges maintain
homeostasis?
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Figure 3. Types of sensory receptors (neurons) according to structure
with (a) free dendrites and (b) with encapsulated dendrites. The
encapsulated dendrites enhance its sensitivity to stimulus.
After the brain has integrated all impulses, it sends a new impulse to
other parts of the body through the peripheral nervous system. Parts of the
body that receive the impulse will perform “an action” related to the
impulse. This is the motor function of the nervous system. When you smile
after smelling a flower is an example of the motor function of the nervous
system. Can you think of other effects when you smell a bunch of flowers?
Others may feel awkward, happy, or sad. These different feelings, however,
are the results of different mechanisms which involve the coordination of the
nervous and endocrine systems. We will look closely about this later in this
module.
The motor function of the peripheral nervous system can be further
subdivided into two categories: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary motor
functions are those that can be controlled consciously, while involuntary
motor functions are those cannot be controlled consciously. Think about
holding a cellphone and chatting with your friends. This are examples of
voluntary motor function. You control how you hold the cellphone and what
keys to press. Now, think about your heart beating. This is an example of
involuntary motor function. You cannot consciously control your heart as it
beats to itself —that is you cannot stop it from beating. However, the
nervous system controls the beating of the heart by coordinating with other
systems in the body.
The voluntary motor function involves the somatic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system coordinates with the skeletal muscles of the
body. Involuntary motor function, on the other hand, involves the
autonomic nervous system which coordinates with the smooth muscle
(e.g., stomach, blood vessels, etc.), cardiac muscle (e.g., heart), and various
glands (e.g., pancreas, thymus, etc.).
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The autonomic nervous system can be further subdivided into
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Sympathetic nervous
system is responsible for regulating many mechanisms to maintain
homeostasis in body. One of which is preparing the body for an action,
especially those that are life threatening. Because of this, the sympathetic
nervous system is frequently known to be responsible in the “fight-or-flight”
response. Contrary to the effects of sympathetic nervous system, the
parasympathetic nervous system regulates mechanisms when the body is
at rest. Because of this, the parasympathetic nervous system is frequently
known to be responsible in the “rest-and-digest” responses.
Let Us Practice
Now let us organize all information we have just discussed in the
previous section. Try to complete the next two activities.
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brain autonomic sensory
somatic spinal cord parasympathetic
sympathetic voluntary involuntary
integrative motor body
Guide Questions
1. How does the central nervous system differ from peripheral nervous
system?
2. How does the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous
system work together?
Guide Question
1. Using the graphic organizer, infer how does the nervous system
coordinate with the rest of the body?
2. Suppose the central nervous system had some damage in its organs,
what would be its effects to the body?
Now that you have understood the overview of the nervous system, let
us move to another notch in our study about this system. Can you still
recall the basic unit of life? You have been taught since elementary that the
basic unit of life is called a cell. Every living organism is made up of cells.
Indeed, our body is made up of cells. But these cells vary in structure and
function. For example, the cells in our digestive system do not look like the
cells in our bones. Though they have similar parts, but they vary in
function. Cells in our bones maintain its shape and structure, whereas the
cells of our intestines digest the food that we eat. Our nervous system is
made up of cells too. These cells are very specialized to perform specific
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functions. The next section will tell us more about the cells of the nervous
system.
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Figure 4. A nerve cell (also called neuron).
Guide Questions
1. What roles do the dendrites, cell body, and axon play in the
transmission of nerve impulses?
2. What is the functional advantage of wrapping axons with myelin
sheaths?
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the positive charges (Na+) move into the axon, which results in a net positive
charge (Figure 4b). This event is called depolarization.
Slowly, the positive charges will move out of the axon, returning the
membrane potential to its normal state, an event called repolarization. The
process of repolarization causes an excessive outflow of positive ions which
results in hyperpolarization. Eventually, when all ion pumps and gates
have closed, the membrane potential will return to its normal state. The
successive depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization events allow
the propagation of the action potential along the axon of a neuron (Figure 4c
& 4d).
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Figure 6. Membrane potential vs time graph of an action potential in a
neuron. An action potential is created when charges inside and outside
the neuron become different from the resting potential.
Guide Questions
1. Based on the graph, what does -70mV indicate about the charges
inside the axon of a neuron?
2. What happens to the net charge inside the axon as it depolarizes? as
it repolarizes? As it hyperpolarizes?
3. Think about this: Saxitoxin is a substance released by dinoflagellates
that cause red tides. This substance prevents the sodium ion pumps
from working. What do you think would be the effects of this
substance in the nervous system and in the body?
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Let Us Remember
Congratulations for reaching this far. Now that you have learned the
parts and functions of the nervous system, as well as how nervous system
communicates, we will now turn our lesson to the coordination of the
nervous system in maintaining homeostasis. Let us begin by performing
Activity 5.
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Figure 7. Feedback mechanisms in regulating blood pressure (top) and
childbirth (bottom). Top: Stimuli increase the blood pressure, which is
perceived by sensory neurons. After receiving the signals from sensory
neurons, the brain responds by coordinating with the cardiovascular
system to return the blood pressure at normal levels. Bottom: Stimuli
stretches the cervix, which is perceived by sensory neurons. After
receiving the signals from sensory neurons, the brain responds by
coordinating with the endocrine system and reproductive system to
deliver the baby.
Guide Questions
1. What type of feedback mechanism is represented by the top diagram?
by the bottom diagram? Why is it so?
2. How does negative feedback different from positive feedback?
3. Think about this. If we take out the brain and the whole nervous
system from the diagram, what do you think would happen to the rest
of the process?
4. How is homeostasis maintained in the body?
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When testosterone levels in the body ●Testes ●Brain ●Testes Negative
increases, the hypothalamus secretes ●Body ●Hypothalam
lower amounts of GnRH. Pituitary us
gland responds by secreting low levels
of luteinizing hormone. In return, cells
in the testes reduce secretion of
testosterone.
Exhaling CO2 lowers the H+ ●Medulla ●Brain ●Lungs Negative
concentration in the blood. Cells in oblongata ●Diaphragm
the medulla oblongata and the heart ●Heart
sends signals to the respiratory center
of the brain which sends signals to the
lungs to contract more forcefully and
frequently. As more CO2 is released,
blood pH increases.
Thermoreceptors in the skin send ●Skin ●Brain ●Pituitary Negative
signals to the hypothalamus of the ●Hypothalam gland
brain when it detects lower body us ●Skin
temperature. The hypothalamus ●Kidney
responds by releasing ●Muscles
thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) ●Thyroid
which stimulates the pituitary gland gland
to release thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH). Skin, kidney, muscles, and
thyroid gland responds by increasing
body temperature.
Increased movement and bowel ●Colon ●Spinal cord ●Colon Negative
pressure in the large intestine triggers ●Large ●Large
nerve impulses to the spinal cord. intestine intestine
Motor impulses from the spinal cord
travel to colon, rectum and anus
which results to defecation. Defecation
results to lower colon pressure.
Touch-sensitive neurons of the breast ●Breast ●Brain ●Pituitary Positive
stimulated by breast-feeding sends ●Hypothalam gland
nerve impulses to the hypothalamus us ●Mammary
of the brain which triggers the release gland
of oxytocin hormone by the pituitary
gland. Mammary gland responds by
secreting milk. Availability of milk
encourages baby to continue
breast-feeding.
Guide Questions
1. How does the nervous system coordinate all parts of the body?
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2. How important is the nervous system in maintaining homeostasis?
Explain.
Indeed, the nervous system plays important roles in the body, more
importantly in maintaining homeostasis by mediating feedback
mechanisms. It coordinates all organs and systems by sensing the external
and internal environment, sending nerve signals throughout the body,
associating information and memory, and regulating the operations of all
organs.
Now that you have learned all competencies that is expected in this
module. We will know test your mastery of these competencies.
Let Us Assess
Congratulations for reaching this far. Let us now check your mastery
of the competencies and understanding of the concepts presented in this
module. Below are multiple choices questions. Read and understand what is
asked in every item. Choose the letter that corresponds to the best answer.
Write your answers in a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following divisions of the nervous system functions in
integrating information?
a. Peripheral nervous system
b. Sympathetic nervous system
c. Parasympathetic nervous system
d. Central nervous system
2. Which of the following types of feedback mechanism reduces the
effects of the stimulus?
a. Negative feedback
b. Positive feedback
c. Neutral feedback
d. Excessive feedback
3. Action potentials propagate when Na+ enter the axon through ion
channels. As more Na+ enter the axon, more ion channels open. Which
of the following mechanism does this refer to?
a. Negative feedback
b. Positive feedback
c. Neutral feedback
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d. Excessive feedback
4. Which part of a nerve cell (neuron) receives signals from another cell
or neuron?
a. Axon
b. Soma
c. Dendrite
d. Axon terminal
5. Which of the following occurs when depolarization happens?
a. More Na+ enter the axon of a neuron.
b. More Na+ leave the axon of a neuron.
c. There is no movement of Na+ in a neuron.
d. Negative charges move out of a neuron.
6. Which of the following does the somatic division of the peripheral
nervous system connects to the central nervous system?
a. muscles and sense organs
b. glands and sense organs
c. muscles and glands
d. spinal cord and muscles
7. Which of the following best describes how the nervous system
coordinates the feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis?
a. By receiving signals from the body.
b. By controlling the movement of the different organs in the body.
c. By producing substances such as hormones to create effects in
the body.
d. By integrating nerve signals and sending responses to effectors
in the body.
8. Which of the following are substances that trigger the creation of
nerve impulses along synapses of neurons?
a. Nerve endings
b. Neurotransmitters
c. Neurotoxins
d. Action potentials
9. Which of the following would likely happen when a membrane
potential DOES NOT exceed -55mV (refer to Figure 6)?
a. No action potential is created.
b. Action potentials are created.
c. Depolarization will take place.
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d. Hyperpolarization will take place.
10. Lactation or breast-feeding enhances the production of milk in the
mammary glands which encourages more breast-feeding. Which of
the following feedback mechanisms explains this process?
a. Negative feedback
b. Positive feedback
c. Neutral feedback
d. Excessive feedback
Good job in completing the assessment part of the module. You are
now very ready to do more of what you have learned.
Let Us Enhance
How did you do with the previous assessment? Did you get a passing
score? If some points of the lesson have confused you, do not hesitate to go
back and revisit those sections. You may also want to seek help from your
teacher if concepts become very unclear.
Now, let us move on by enhancing what you have learned in this
module. Try to accomplish the next activity about blood sugar levels.
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Questions
1. What is the effect of glucagon? What cells release glucagon?
2. What is the effect of insulin? What cells release insulin?
3. What is the normal level of glucose in the blood?
4. What would you expect to happen if your blood sugar were
120mg/100mL? Elaborate your answer.
5. What type of feedback mechanism is shown in the diagram?
6. What would likely happen if the alpha cells in pancreas do not secrete
insulin? Explain.
7. Which part of the diagram does the role of the nervous system in
maintaining homeostasis take place? Explain.
Good job! Now, you finally have understood how the nervous system
works by coordinating the entire body and regulating process through
feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis. Let us then put all these
learning into action. The next section will put your understanding into
context.
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Let Us Reflect
Below is a passage about two digestive hormones. Read the passage
and understand its connection to the nervous system and homeostasis.
Using a separate sheet of paper, create a diagram that would show a
feedback mechanism described in the passage. The diagram must illustrate
how homeostasis is maintained. You may research additional information to
enhance your illustration. Refer to the rubric (criteria) for scoring.
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Answers to the Activities
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References
Tortora, Gerard J., and Bryan H. Derrickson. Principles of anatomy and
physiology 14th edition. John Wiley & Sons, 2014.
DeSaix, Peter, J. Gordon Betts, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana
Korol, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, James A. Wise, and Kelly A.
Young. "Anatomy & Physiology: OpenStax." (2018).
Biologycorner.com. 2021. Feedback Loops. [online] Available at:
<https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/feedback_loops.html>
[Accessed 7 February 2021].
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Photo Credits
NOAA, Venus' Flower Basket (Euplectella aspergillum), 26 August 2002,
accessed February 6, 2021,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Venus_Flower_Basket.jpg
OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology, The Human Nervous System, May 18,
2016, accessed February 6, 2021,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1201_Overview_of_Nervous
_System.jpg
OSCRiceUniversity, Receptor Types, 2019, accessed February 6, 2021,
https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiologyopenstax/wp-content/u
ploads/sites/264/2019/07/1401_Receptor_Types.jpg
Actam, Derived diagram of neuron with arrows but no labels, 29 June 2008,
accessed February 6, 2021,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Derived_Neuron_schema_w
ith_no_labels.svg
Laurentaylorj, Action potential, 25 May 2013, accessed February 6, 2021,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Action_Potential.gif
OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology, Action Potential Labels (modified), 18
May 2016, accessed February 6, 2021,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1222_Action_Potential_Lab
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BiologyCorner.com, Feedback loop glucose, accessed February 6, 2021,
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