ORGAN SYSTEM

THE
NERVOUS
SYSTEM
JANINE F. CANINDO_DMD-1A
Topic Outline
Functions of the Nervous System Spinal Cord
Division of the Nervous System Spinal Nerves
Brain
Cells of the Nervous System
Sensory Functions
Electrical Signals and Nueral Pathways
Motor Functions
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Other Brain Function
Meninges, Ventricles, and Cerebrospinal Fluid Autonomic Nervous System
Enteric Nervous System

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
FUNCTIONS OF THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM

The functions of the nervous system include:

Receive sensory input

Maintain homeostasis
Integrate information
Establish and maintain mental
Control muscles and glands activity
DIVISION OF THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and
spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists
of all the nervous tissues outside the CNS.
The sensory division of the PNS transmits action potentials to
Brain the CNS; the motor division carries action potentials away from
the CNS.
The motor division is divided into somatic motor nervous system
innervates skeletal muscle and is mostly under voluntary
control. The autonomic nervous system innervates cardiac
muscle, smooth muscle, and glands and is mostly under
involuntary control.
The autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic and
parasympathetic division.
The enteric nervous system contains both sensory and motor
neurons, which can function independently of the CNS.
CELLS OF THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Neurons
Neurons receive stimuli and conduct action
potentials. A neuron consists of a cell body,
dentrites, and an axon.

Type of Neurons
Multipolar -many dentrites and one axon.
Bipolar -one dentrite and one axon.
Pseudo-unipolar -appears to have a single
axon.
CELLS OF THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Neuroglia
Neuroglia are the support cells of the nervous
system.
Type of Neuroglia
Astrocytes -can stimulate or inhibit the signaling activity
of nearby neurons.
Ependymal cells -this cell produce cerebrospinal fluid
through the CNS.
Microglia -act as immune cells of the CNS, and help
protect the brain by removing bacteria and cell debris.
Oligodendrocytes (CNS) and Schwann cells (PNS) -
provide an insulating material that surrounds axons.
 Resting Membrane Potential
A resting membrane potential results from the charge difference across
the membrane of cells.
ELECTRICAL The resting membrane potential is set by leak ion channels and the
sodium-potassium pump.
SIGNAL
Action Potentials
An action potentials occurs when the charge across the cell membrane
AND is briefly reversed.
Ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels generate the action
NEURAL potentials.

The Synapse
PATHWAYS A synapse is a point of contact between two neurons or between a
neuron and another cell, such as a muscle or gland cell.
An action potential arriving at the presynaptic terminal, which diffuses
across the synaptic cleft and binds to the receptors of the postsynaptic
membrane.
ELECTRICAL Reflex
Reflex arcs are the functional units of the nervous system.
SIGNAL A complex reflex arc consists of a sensory receptor, a sensory neuron,
interneurons, a motor neuron, and an effector organ; the simplest reflex
arcs do not involve interneurons.
AND
Neuronal Pathways
NEURAL Neuronal pathways are either converging or diverging.
Spatial and temporal summation occur in neuronal pathways.
PATHWAYS
 CENTRAL AND
PERIPHERAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The central nervous system (CNS) are composed of brain and
spinal cord. The brain is housed within the braincase; the spinal
cord is in the vertebral column.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves

and ganglia outside the CNS. PNS collects information from the
numerous sources both inside and on the surface of the body
and relays it by way of sensory fibers to the CNS.
SPINAL CORD
The spinal cord extends from the foremen
magnum to the second kumbar vertebra;
below that is the cauda equina.
The spinal cord has a central gray part
organized into horns and a peripheral white
part forming nerve tracts.
Roots of spinal nerve extend out of the
cord.
SPINAL
NERVES
The spinal nerves exit the vertebral column at the
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions.
The nerves are grouped into plexuses.
The phrenic nerve, which supplies the diaphragm, is the
most important brand of the cervical plexus.
The brachial plexus supplies nerves to the upper limb.
The lumbosacral plexus supplies nerves to the lower
limb.
BRAIN

The major regions of the

brain are the brainstem, the
diencephalon, the
cerebrum, and the
celebellum.
BRAINSTEM
The brainstem connects he spinal cord to the
remainder of the brain. Brainstem contains of several
nuclei.
Brainstem consists of:
Medulla oblongata -consists nuclei that contro. activities
sush as heart rate, breathing, swallowing, and balance.
Pons -contains relay nuclei between the cerebum and
cerebellum.
Midbrain -involve in hearing and visual reflexes.

Reticular formation is scattered throughout the brainstem

and is important in regulating cyclical motor functions. It is
also involve in maintaining consciousness and in the sleep-
wake cycle.
CEREBELLUM
The cerebellum is attached to the brainstem by
several large connections called cerebellar peduncles;
connections provide routes of communication
between the cerebellum and other parts of the CNS .

DIENCEPHALON
The diencephalon is part of the brain between the
brainstem and the cerebrum.
Components of Diencephalon:
Thalamus -largest part of the diencephalon, and most sensory
relay center.
Epithalamus -a small area superior and posterior to the
thalamus. The pineal gland may play a role in sexual maturation.
Hypothalamus -plays a central role in the control of body
temperature, hunger, and thirst.
CEREBRUM
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is
divided into left and right hemispheres.
Each hemispheres are divided into lobes;
Frontal lobe -is important in the control of voluntary
motor functions, motivation, aggression, mood, and
olfactory (smell) reception.
Parietal lobe -center of receiving and consciously
perceiving most sensory information; touch, pain,
temperature, balance, and taste.
Occipital lobe -receiving and perceiving visual input and
is not distinctly separate from the other lobes.
Temporal lobe -involve in olfactory (smell), and auditory
(hearing) sensations and plays an important role in
memory.
SENSORY
FUNCTIONS ASCENDING
TRACTS
SENSORY
AREAS OF THE
CEREBAL
The CNS constantly CORTEX

receives sensory input. Ascending tracts Ascending tracts

We are unaware of much of transmit action project to primary
the input, but it is vital to potentials from the sensory areas of the
periphery to the brain. cerebral cortex.
our survival.
Each tract carries a Association areas are
Some sensory input results specific type of sensory involve in recognizing
in sensation. information. the sensory input.
MOTOR
FUNCTIONS MOTOR AREAS
OF THE
DESCENDING
Motor functions include involuntary and voluntary TRACTS
CEREBAL
movements. CORTEX Descending tracts project
Upper motor neurons in the cerebral cortex
connect to lower motor neurons in the spinal cord
directly from upper motor
Upper motor neurons
or cranial nerve nuclei. neurons in the cerebral
are located in the cortex to lower motor
primary motor cortex. neurons in the spinal cord
The premotor and and brainstem; indirectly,
prefrontal areas they project from basal
regulate movements. nuclei, the cerebellum or
the cerebral cortex through
the brainstem to lower
motor neurons in the spinal
cord.
MOTOR
FUNCTIONS BASAL CEREBELLUM
NUCLEI

The cerebellum is involve in balance.

Basal nuclei help plan,
muscle tone, and muscle coordination.
organize, and coordinate
Through its comparator functio, the
motor movements and
cerebellum compares the intended
posture.
action to what is occurring and
People with basal nuclei modifies the action to eliminate
disorders exhibit increased differences.
muscle tone and exaggerated, If the cerebellum is damaged, muscle
uncontrolled movements tone decreases and fine motor
when at rest. movements become very clumsy.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
OF BRAIN
Communication Between the Right and Left Hemisphere
The left hemisphere ids thought to be the dominant Speech
analytical hemisphere, and the right hemisphere is Speech involves the sensory speech area, the motor
thought to be dominant for spatial perception and speech area, and the interactions between them and
musical ability. other cortical areas.

Brain Waves and Counsciousness

LImbic System
An EGG monitors brain waves, which are a summation of
The limbic system is involve with memory, motivation,
the electrical activity of the brain.
mood, and other visceral functions. Olfactory
stimulation is a major influence.
Memory
The type of memory are sensory (less than 1 second),
short term (lasting a few minutes, and long term
(permanent) memory.
 CEREBROSPINAL
MENINGES VENTRICLES FLUID

The brain and spinal cord contain

fluid-filled cavities: the lateral It is formed in the choroid
Three connective ventricles in the cerebral plexuses in the ventricles. It
tissue meninges cover hemispheres, a third ventricle in exits through the fourth
the diencephalon, a cerebral ventricle and reenters the
the CNS: the dura
aqueduct in the membrai, fourth blood through arachnoid
mater, arachnoid ventricle at the base of the granulations in the superior
mater, and pia mater. cerebellum, and a central canal in sagittal sinus.
the spinal cord.
CRANIAL NERVES

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves: 3 with

sensory function (S), 4 with somatic motor
function (M), 1 with motor and sensory
function, 1 with somatic motor and
parasympathetic (P) function, and 3 with all
functions. Four of the craniial nerves have
parasympathetic dunction.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM

The autonomic nervous system are composed

of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.
Autonomic nervous system has a sympathetic
and parasympathetic divisions.
ANATOMY OF THE
SYMPATHETIC DIVISION
Preganglionic cell bodies of the sympathetic division lie
in the thoracic and upper lumbar regions of the spinal
cord.
Postganglionic cell bodies are located in the sympathetic
chain ganglia or in collateral ganglia.
ANATOMY OF THE
PARASYMPATHETIC
DIVISION
Preganglionic cell bodies of the parasympathetic
divisions are associated with some of the cranial and
sacral nerves.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM
AUTONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF THE
NEUROTRANSMITTERS AUTONOMIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM

All autonomic preganglionic and The sympathetic division prepares a person

parasympathetic postganglionic for action by increasing heart rate, blood

pressure, respiration and release of glucose
neurons secrete acetylcholine.
for energy.
Most sympathetic The parasympathetic division is involve in
postganglionic neurons secrete involuntary activities; rest, digestion of food,

norepinephrine. defecation, and urination.

ENTERIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM

The enteric nervous system forms plexuses in the

digestive tract wall.
Enteric neurons are sensory, motor, or interneurons
and receive CNS input but can also function
independently.