Parts of the Nervous System
What is the main part of the nervous system that controls most functions?
The brain
What does the nervous system help us do?
The nervous system helps us sense, think, move, and respond to our environment.
What is a neuron?
A neuron is a nerve cell that carries messages throughout the body.
What is the cerebrum?
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for thinking, memory, senses, and voluntary movement.
How many neurons are in the human brain?
The human brain contains about 86 billion neurons.
What is the function of the spinal cord?
The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body and controls simple reflexes.
What are reflex actions?
Reflex actions are quick, automatic responses that happen without conscious thought to protect the body (like pulling your hand away from something hot).
What is the function of a dendrite?
A dendrite receives signals from other neurons and sends them to the cell body.
What does the cerebellum do?
The cerebellum controls balance, coordination, and fine motor movements.
What animal has the largest brain?
The animal with the largest brain is the sperm whale.
What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
The two main parts of the nervous system are the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
How does the nervous system communicate with the body?
The nervous system communicates through electrical and chemical signals sent by neurons.
What is the role of the axon?
The axon carries electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.
What is the function of the brainstem?
The brainstem controls basic life functions like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.
What happens when you touch something hot?
When you touch something hot, sensory neurons send a message to your spinal cord, which triggers a reflex to move your hand away.
What is the role of sensory neurons?
Sensory neurons carry information from the senses (like touch, sight, and sound) to the brain and spinal cord.
What is the role of the brain in processing information?
The brain processes information by interpreting signals from sensory neurons and deciding how the body should respond.
How do neurons transmit signals?
Neurons transmit signals through electrical impulses and chemical neurotransmitters across synapses.
What part of the brain controls emotions?
The part of the brain that controls emotions is the limbic system, especially the amygdala.
What is the fastest speed a nerve impulse can travel?
Nerve impulses can travel as fast as up to 268 miles per hour (about 430 km/h).
What part of the brain is responsible for balance?
The part of the brain responsible for balance is the cerebellum.
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary actions?
Voluntary actions are controlled consciously (like walking), while involuntary actions happen automatically (like breathing or heartbeat).
What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between neurons across the synapse.
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormone production.
What can happen if the nervous system is damaged?
f the nervous system is damaged, it can cause loss of movement, sensation, memory, or other body functions, depending on where the damage occurs.