3. WHAT IS IT?
• One of the systems in the body is the nervous system.
• This system sends messages from the brain to other parts of the body.
• An example of this is the locomotor system (or musculoskeletal system). This system
allows us to respond to the stimuli from our senses. As well as this, it controls our
internal systems such as the digestive or respiratory system.
4. THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Our central nervous system is made up by the brain and the spinal chord.
The Brain
• The brain controls our nervous system. Its
protected by the skull and made up of three
parts…
• The Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain.
Here we process information from our senses
and do cognitive thinking. For instance here
we make decisions, study and play games
5. THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Next comes the cerebellum which controls
our movement, balance and coordination.
• Finally there is the brain stem. This is the
continuation of the spinal chord. It is in
charge of involuntary actions like sleeping
and breathing.
6. THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Spinal cord
• The spinal cord is made of nerve tissue
and runs from the brain and down our
spine.
• It is protected by the vertebrae and
controls reflex actions.
7. THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
• The peripheral nervous system is
made of nerves.
• Nerves are made of tiny cells called
neurons that transfer information
through the nervous system using
chemical and electrical signals.
A neuron
8. THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Sensory neurons
collect information
from our sense
organs (eyes, ears,
nose, tongue and
skin)
• Motor neurons
send messages
from the brain to
our locomotor
system.
• The brain
interprets the
information and
sends signals to
the rest of the
body.
