Nervous System
What is the control center of the nervous system?
The brain
What is the system made of all the bones in your body called?
The skeletal system.
What type of muscle can you control to move bones?
Skeletal muscles.
Which system sends a message to a muscle to contract?
The nervous system.
What two main parts make up the central pathway that carries messages between the brain and the body?
The brain and spinal cord
Which bone structure protects the brain?
The skull.
What is the special muscle that pumps blood called?
The heart (cardiac muscle).
When the brain sends a message to a muscle and the muscle pulls a bone, what three systems are working together? (Name them.)
Nervous system, skeletal system, muscular system
Which senses does the nervous system help you with so you can learn about the world?
Touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing.
Where inside bones are blood cells made?
Bone marrow.
Which muscle type works automatically inside organs like the stomach?
Smooth muscles.
Give an example activity that shows the three systems working together.
Kicking a ball — the brain sends a message, muscles contract and pull on bones to make the kick.
How do nerves help muscles and organs?
Nerves deliver signals that tell muscles when to move and organs when to work.
Name two functions of bones besides giving the body shape.
Protect sensitive organs (for example, skull protects the brain; rib cage protects the heart and lungs) and store minerals such as calcium.
How do skeletal muscles create movement?
Skeletal muscles pull on bones to create movement.
How does the nervous system help keep you balanced during a movement?
The nervous system checks how the movement is going and makes quick corrections so you keep your balance and do the action smoothly.
Describe what happens from sensors in your foot to the muscles when you step on a rock.
Sensors in the foot send fast nerve messages to the spinal cord and brain; the nervous system processes the information and signals muscles to change their action to protect you.
What nutrients and lifestyle habits help bones grow strong?
Eating healthy foods with calcium and vitamin D, plus regular exercise helps bones grow strong.
Besides movement, name two other ways muscles help the body.
Muscles use energy from food and help keep the body warm and protect organs by adding a layer of soft tissue.
Explain step-by-step how the nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems team up to let you kick a ball.
The brain sends a message through nerves to the leg muscles; the muscles contract and pull on the leg bones to make the kicking motion; bones provide structure and protection while the nervous system monitors and adjusts the movement for balance.