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The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), responsible for communication and coordination in the body. It performs functions such as sensory input, integration, and motor output, while the meninges protect the brain and spinal cord. The system develops from the neural tube and includes various structures like the forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord, each with specific roles in processing and responding to stimuli.

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2 views4 pages

hju

The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), responsible for communication and coordination in the body. It performs functions such as sensory input, integration, and motor output, while the meninges protect the brain and spinal cord. The system develops from the neural tube and includes various structures like the forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord, each with specific roles in processing and responding to stimuli.

Uploaded by

S.M.ABDULLAH SHAH
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Basic Features of the Nervous System

The nervous system is responsible for communication and coordination in the body. It consists of
two main divisions:

1. Central Nervous System (CNS) – Includes the brain and spinal cord; processes and
interprets information.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – Composed of cranial and spinal nerves; transmits
signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Functions of the Nervous System:

 Sensory Input: Detects internal and external stimuli (e.g., feeling heat from a stove).
 Integration: Processes sensory data (e.g., the brain deciding to move a hand away from
the stove).
 Motor Output: Responds via muscle contraction or gland secretion (e.g., pulling the
hand away quickly).

Anatomical Directions
 Anterior (Rostral): Toward the front (e.g., the nose is anterior to the ears).
 Posterior (Caudal): Toward the back (e.g., the spine is posterior to the stomach).
 Dorsal (Superior): Toward the top (e.g., the brain is dorsal to the heart).
 Ventral (Inferior): Toward the bottom (e.g., the lungs are ventral to the backbone).
 Lateral: Away from the midline (e.g., the arms are lateral to the chest).
 Medial: Toward the midline (e.g., the nose is medial to the eyes).

Meninges
The meninges are three protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord:

1. Dura Mater: Outermost, tough, and fibrous; protects against physical impacts.
2. Arachnoid Mater: Middle layer, web-like structure filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
that acts as a cushion.
3. Pia Mater: Innermost, thin layer that adheres to the brain’s surface and provides
nutrients.

💡 Example: Think of the meninges like layers of packaging around a fragile glass item. The
dura mater is like a sturdy cardboard box, the arachnoid mater is like bubble wrap, and the pia
mater is like a soft cloth directly touching the item.

The Ventricular System and Production of CSF


 The ventricular system consists of four interconnected cavities (ventricles) within the
brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
 CSF Functions: Cushions the brain, removes waste, and provides nutrients.
 Production: Formed by the choroid plexus within ventricles.

💡 Example: CSF acts like engine oil in a car—it lubricates, cleans, and protects the system from
overheating.

Development of the Nervous System


The nervous system develops from the neural tube in early embryonic stages.

An Overview of Brain Development

 The neural tube forms three primary vesicles:


1. Forebrain (Prosencephalon) – Becomes the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and
hypothalamus.
2. Midbrain (Mesencephalon) – Controls motor movements and sensory
processing.
3. Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon) – Develops into the cerebellum, pons, and
medulla oblongata.

Prenatal Brain Development

 First Trimester: Formation of the neural tube and primary vesicles.


 Second Trimester: Neurons proliferate and migrate.
 Third Trimester: Synapse formation and myelination begin.

Postnatal Brain Development

 Brain growth continues, with myelination (formation of protective coverings around


neurons), synaptic pruning (removal of unused connections), and cognitive function
enhancement.

Structure and Function of the Central Nervous System


The Forebrain

 Cerebral Cortex: Responsible for higher functions like perception, thought, and
decision-making (e.g., solving a math problem).
 Thalamus: Relay center for sensory signals (e.g., receiving sound from ears and sending
it to the auditory cortex).
 Hypothalamus: Regulates hormones, hunger, and emotions (e.g., feeling hungry and
deciding to eat).
The Midbrain

 Tectum: Controls visual and auditory reflexes (e.g., turning your head toward a sudden
loud noise).
 Tegmentum: Involved in motor functions and alertness (e.g., maintaining posture while
walking).

The Hindbrain

 Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance (e.g., riding a bicycle).


 Pons: Connects different brain regions and aids in sleep regulation.
 Medulla Oblongata: Controls vital functions like heart rate and respiration (e.g.,
automatic breathing control).

The Spinal Cord

 Connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system.


 Contains gray and white matter for reflex actions and signal transmission (e.g., pulling
your hand away when touching something hot).

Structure and Function of the Peripheral Nervous System


Divided into:

1. Somatic Nervous System – Controls voluntary movements via skeletal muscles (e.g.,
lifting a cup of tea).
2. Autonomic Nervous System – Controls involuntary functions like heart rate and
digestion.

Cranial Nerves

 12 pairs that emerge from the brain and control sensory and motor functions of the head
and neck.
 Example: Optic nerve (vision), Vagus nerve (organ control).

💡 Example: The cranial nerves are like direct service lines between a control center and
different parts of a factory, managing sight, taste, smell, and movement.

Spinal Nerves

 31 pairs that emerge from the spinal cord.


 Each has sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) fibers.

The Autonomic Nervous System


 Sympathetic Division: Activates fight-or-flight response (e.g., increased heart rate when
scared).
 Parasympathetic Division: Promotes rest and digestion (e.g., slower heartbeat when
relaxed).

💡 Example: The sympathetic nervous system is like an accelerator in a car, speeding things up,
while the parasympathetic system is like the brake, slowing things down.

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