BIOLOGY 10 Lesson 1 THIRD QUARTER

NERVOUS SYSTEM
What is Nervous System?
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the
brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body. The proper functioning of these nerves ensures
that each organ system can adequately communicate with one another.
It includes the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS) which is made up of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

The Nervous System

is composed of the

has two main parts

Spinal Cord
Central Nervous Cerebrum
System (CNS) Brain
Thalamus
Forebrain
Consist of the brain Hypothalamus
and spinal cord and serves
as the PROCESSING CENTER, Midbrain
where the INFORMATION RECEIVED from
and Cerebellum
either external environment or internal Hindbrain
environment are being INTERPRETED
and DECIDES on what Pons
the body will do to maintain
homeostasis/equilibrium. Medulla Oblongata

Consists of all nerves

(sensory neurons and motor neurons)
Peripheral Nervous
that carry the information to the Central
System (CNS) Nervous System and other parts of the
body.
has two main parts

Somatic Peripheral Sensory Neurons

Nervous System
(Composed of Somatic Motor Neurons
Nerves) (Voluntary)

Autonomic Peripheral Sensory Neurons

Nervous System
(Composed of Motor Neurons
Autonomic Nerves) (Involuntary)

SELF-STUDY GUIDE
1. What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
2. How is the central nervous system different from the peripheral nervous system in terms of
structural components and functions?
3. How is the peripheral nervous system connected to the central nervous system?
4. Using the ‘Blurting Method’, can you summarize the main parts of the nervous system?
THIRD QUARTER
BIOLOGY 10 Lesson 1

THE CENTRAL Brain

NERVOUS SYSTEM It processes the information received

from the body's sensory organs,
The main processing center. integrate this information, and
orchestrate appropriate responses.

PARTS OF THE BRAIN Spinal Cord

Cerebrum
It serves as a communication pathway
between the brain and the peripheral
nervous system, facilitating the
transmission of sensory information
from the body to the brain and
conveying motor commands from the
brain to muscles and glands. It is also
involved in coordinating reflex
responses to certain stimuli without
the need for input from the brain.

PARTS OF THE BRAIN AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

A. Forebrain - The forebrain consists of the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus.

The cerebrum is further divided into two hemispheres and is responsible for higher cognitive functions, such as thinking,
reasoning, perception, and voluntary motor activity.

Cerebrum responsible for higher cognitive functions, including thinking, learning, memory, and conscious awareness.

acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing signals to the appropriate areas of the cerebral
Thalamus
cortex for further processing.

plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, thirst, and the
Hypothalamus
sleep-wake cycle. It is also involved in the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

Pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and influences circadian rhythms.

Often referred to as the "master gland," the pituitary gland releases hormones that regulate various
Pituitary gland
physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

B. Midbrain - It plays a crucial role in motor movement, particularly the coordination of eye movements and auditory and visual
processing.

Midbrain
Tectum Receives signals/information from the Pons and Medulla Oblongata and forwarded it to the Forebrain.
Tegmentum

C. Hindbrain - The hindbrain is located at the base of the brain and includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata.

primarily involved in coordination of voluntary movements, balance, and posture. It helps fine-tune motor
Cerebellum
activities.

Acts as a relay station, connecting different parts of the brain, including the cerebrum and cerebellum.
Pons
Contributes to the regulation of sleep patterns and certain aspects of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Regulates vital autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
Medulla oblongata
Contains reflex centers for coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting.

The brainstem, including the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain, is responsible for basic life functions
Brainstem such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also serves as a pathway for nerve fibers traveling to
and from the brain.
THIRD QUARTER
BIOLOGY 10 Lesson 1

THE PERIPHERAL Somatic Peripheral Nervous System (Composed of Somatic Nerves)

Control: Voluntary control.

NERVOUS SYSTEM Effectors: Skeletal muscles.

Function: The somatic nervous system is responsible for the
conscious and voluntary control of skeletal muscles. It enables
sensory and motor functions related to body movements,
perception of external stimuli, and coordination of voluntary
actions.

Autonomic Peripheral Nervous System (Composed of Autonomic Nerves)

Control: Involuntary control.

Effectors: Smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.
Function: The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions,
maintaining homeostasis. It controls activities such as heart rate, blood pressure,
respiratory rate, digestion, and various glandular functions. The sympathetic and
parasympathetic divisions often work in opposition to balance the body's physiological
responses.
Divisions:
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Activates the "fight or flight" response, preparing
the body for intense physical activity or emergency situations. Increases heart rate,
dilates pupils, and redirects blood flow to essential organs.
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Activates the "rest and digest" response,
promoting relaxation and recovery. Slows heart rate, constricts pupils, and stimulates
digestion and nutrient absorption.

Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system.

They have common parts like dendrites, cell bodies, and
axons (Figure A). Three types of neurons - sensory, motor,
THE NEURON
and interneurons - connect the brain, spinal cord, and
environment (Figure B). Sensory neurons detect changes Figure A.
in the environment and transmit signals to the spinal cord
and brain. The nerve impulse generated in neurons travels
one way from dendrites to axon terminals. In the neural
circuit, interneurons receive and integrate signals from
sensory neurons and relay them to motor neurons. Motor
neurons then send signals to muscles and glands for
actions. This process ensures communication and
coordination in the nervous system, as shown in Figure C.

Figure C. Figure B.
THIRD QUARTER
BIOLOGY 10 Lesson 1
HOMEOSTASIS
MAINTAINING HOMEOSTASIS The body's ability to maintain a

IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

stable internal environment
despite external changes.

Homeostasis and Feedback

The mechanisms that make adjustments to keep body conditions within normal ranges are referred to as the Negative
Feedback Mechanism.

A Negative Feedback Mechanism

always consists of a monitor, a
regulator, and a coordinating center.
The monitor measures the
environmental condition being
regulated. The regulator can change the
environmental condition. The
coordinating center either gives a signal
to the regulator to go or to stop
depending on the measurements made
by the monitor. Negative feedback
mechanisms prevent small changes
from becoming large changes.

SELF-STUDY GUIDE
1. What is the correlation between Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System?
2. How are neurons organized to transmit the signal to and from the central nervous system?
3. What is homeostasis?
4. How does the body detect changes in its internal or external environment?
5. How is the Negative Feedback Mechanism work to maintain homeostasis in the body?

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Read each item carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer

1. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the fast beating of the heart?
A. Central nervous system C. Somatic nervous system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system D. Sympathetic nervous system

2. What type of nerve cells are found only within the brain and spinal cord?
A. Efferent neuron C. Motor neuron
B. Interneuron D. Sensory neuron

3. Which of the following body conditions is controlled by the hypothalamus?

A. heartbeat C. body temperature
B. body movement D. interpretation of information

4. The receptors in a girl’s body detect changes in the environment. Which organs of the body contain
the receptors for flashing red lights of an ambulance car?
A. ears B. eyes C. nose D. skin

5. Which system carries the information to all parts of the body?

A. circulatory system B. endocrine system C. nervous system D. respiratory system
 THIRD QUARTER
BIOLOGY 10 Lesson 2

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs.
It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's metabolism,
energy level, reproduction, growth and development,
and response to injury, stress, and mood.

What are HORMONES?

Hormones are chemical messengers that
are secreted (released) from glands into the
blood and affect cells in another part of the
body. These only work on certain cells,
called target cells.

Target Cells

A target cell
bears receptors
for the hormone.
It has special
receptors that
“recognize” the
Figure 1. The Endocrine System Organs hormones and allow them to influence that
cell.

The Endocrine glands and its Secretion

Gland Hormone Function

Affects growth and development; stimulates protein

Growth hormone (GH)
production; affects fat distribution

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Controls production of sex hormones (estrogen in
and
women and testosterone in men) and the production of
follicle-stimulating hormone
eggs in women and sperm in men
(FSH)

Pituitary
Stimulates contraction of uterus and milk ducts in the
gland Oxytocin
breast

Initiates and maintains milk production in breasts;

Prolactin
impacts sex hormone levels

Thyroid-stimulating Stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid

hormone (TSH) hormones
 Gland Hormone Function

Growth hormone Regulates growth hormone release

releasing hormone (GHRH) in the pituitary gland

Hypothalamus
Gonadotropin releasing Regulates LH/FSH
hormone (GnRH) production in the pituitary gland

Releases melatonin
Pineal gland Melatonin
during night hours to help with sleep

Parathyroid Parathyroid hormone Most important

glands (PTH) regulator of blood calcium levels

Thyroxine (T4) and Controls metabolism; also affects growth, maturation,

Thyroid gland Triiodothyronine (T3) nervous system activity, and metabolism

Responsible for the production and maturation of

Thymus Thymosin immune cells; including small lymphocytes that
protect the body against foreign antigens.

Glucagon Raises blood sugar levels

Pancreas
Lowers blood sugar levels; stimulates metabolism of
Insulin
glucose, protein, and fat.

Affects development of female sexual characteristics and

Estrogen reproductive development, important for functioning of
uterus and breasts; also protects bone health
Ovaries

Stimulates the lining of the uterus for fertilization;

Progesterone
prepares the breasts for milk production

Testes Develop and maintain male sexual characteristics and

Testosterone
(testicles) maturation

Epinephrine
Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow
(Adrenaline)
Adrenal
glands
Norepinephrine Maintains blood pressure
 ROLE OF HORMONES IN THE MALE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
PARTS OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

ROLE OF HORMONES IN THE MALE JOURNEY OF THE SPERM

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Seminiferous Tubules (Testes)
Testosterone
Produced by the testes, testosterone is the Epididymis
primary male sex hormone. It is responsible for the
development of male secondary sexual Vas deferens
characteristics, such as facial hair, deepening of
the voice, and increased muscle mass. Seminal vesicle
Prostate gland
Bulborethral gland
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Secreted by the pituitary gland, LH stimulates the Urethra
Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
The release of LH is regulated by the
hypothalamus, which releases gonadotropin- HORMONAL CONTROL IN THE MALE
releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate the REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
pituitary gland.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Also produced by the pituitary gland, FSH plays a
key role in spermatogenesis—the process of
sperm production. FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells
in the testes, which, in turn, support the
development of sperm cells. Together with
testosterone, FSH helps regulate the production
of sperm.
 ROLE OF HORMONES IN THE FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
PARTS OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

ROLE OF HORMONES IN THE FEMALE

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Estrogen
Produced mainly by the ovaries. Estrogen plays a
central role in the development and maintenance
of female reproductive tissues, including the
ovaries, uterus, and breasts. It is crucial for the
regulation of the menstrual cycle, the
HORMONAL CONTROL IN THE FEMALE
development of secondary sexual characteristics
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
(such as breast development and widening of the
hips), and the preparation of the uterine lining for
pregnancy.

Progesterone
Also produced by the ovaries, progesterone is a
hormone that prepares and maintains the uterine
lining for implantation of a fertilized egg. If
fertilization occurs, progesterone helps to sustain
early pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur,
progesterone levels drop, triggering the shedding
of the uterine lining, resulting in menstruation.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Released by the pituitary gland, LH triggers ovulation. It stimulates the mature ovarian follicle to release an egg from
the ovary. After ovulation, the remaining follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which
produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Released by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the development of ovarian follicles in the ovaries. These follicles,
each containing an egg (oocyte), mature under the influence of FSH.
 THE OVARIAN AND MENSTRUAL CYCLE

HORMONAL LEVELS
DURING THE CYCLE
Corpus Luteum

MENSTRUAL CYCLE OVARIAN CYCLE

1. Menstruation: 1. Follicular Phase:
Marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle (Day 1) Begins on the first day of menstruation.
Shedding of the uterine lining if fertilization did not Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the
occur. development of several follicles in the ovaries.
Lasts about 3-7 days. Only one dominant follicle matures and releases an
2. Proliferative Phase: egg (ovum).
Corresponds to the follicular phase of the ovarian 2. Ovulation:
cycle. Midway through the menstrual cycle (around day 14 in
Rising estrogen levels stimulate the thickening of the a 28-day cycle).
uterine lining. Surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release
3. Ovulation: of the mature egg from the ovary.
Midway through the menstrual cycle (around day 14 in 3. Luteal Phase:
a 28-day cycle). After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into
A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the the corpus luteum.
release of the mature egg from the ovary. Corpus luteum secretes progesterone, preparing the
4. Secretory Phase: uterine lining for potential implantation.
Corresponds to the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. If Fertilization Occurs:
Progesterone from the corpus luteum further Corpus luteum continues to produce
prepares the uterine lining for potential embryo hormones to sustain pregnancy.
implantation. If Fertilization Doesn't Occur:
Corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a
drop in progesterone and estrogen levels.
 The Ovarian Cycle and the Menstrual (Uterine) Cycle
The ovarian cycle governs the preparation of endocrine tissues and release of eggs, while the menstrual
cycle governs the preparation and maintenance of the uterine lining. These cycles occur concurrently and are
coordinated over a 22–32 day cycle, with an average length of 28 days.

The Ovarian Cycle

Phases of the ovarian cycle: The ovary functions cyclically. The classic ovarian cycle lasts an average of 28
days. It is divided into three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

• Phase 1: Follicular Phase

The follicular phase initiates the female cycle. It begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with
ovulation. This phase, therefore, lasts an average of 14 days. It corresponds to the maturation phase of
the ovarian follicles. There are a total of six stages of follicular development.
• Phase 2: Ovulation
Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of a 28-day cycle. It is controlled by a hormone: LH. Ovulation
therefore only concerns the De Graaf follicle. Tertiary follicles that have not been selected degenerate. A
baby girl is born with 1 to 2 million follicles. However, only 300 to 400 of these follicles result in
ovulation, between puberty and menopause.
o How does ovulation take place during a fertility journey?
The ovarian stimulation phase avoids the degeneration phase of follicles that have not been
selected for ovulation. The aim is to recover several oocytes during the puncture in order to
increase the number of potential embryos.
• Phase 3: Luteal Phase
Following ovulation, the follicle undergoes a transformation into the corpus luteum. This plays a very
important role in the implantation of the embryo in the endometrium and in maintaining the pregnancy.
In the absence of an embryo, however, the corpus luteum degenerates, initiating a new menstrual cycle.
This luteal phase occurs during the last 14 days of the cycle until the next menstrual period.
The growing follicles secrete estrogen. The corpus luteum produces progesterone. These two
hormones control the cyclical activity of the endometrium: the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle

A menstrual cycle begins when you get your period or menstruate. This is when you shed the lining of your uterus.
This cycle is part of your reproductive system and prepares your body for a possible pregnancy. A typical cycle lasts
between 24 and 38 days.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

• Phase 1: Menses/Period Phase:

During the period – from the time vaginal bleeding starts to the time it ends. Blood from the previous cycle
from inside the uterus is shed through the cervix and vagina. The uterine lining, called the endometrium, is
thinnest during this phase. A typical period may last up to 8 days, but on average lasts about five or six.
 Hormones: Levels of estrogen and progesterone are typically at their lowest. This causes the top layers
of the lining to release and leave the body.

• Phase 2: Proliferative Phase

Proliferative means growing quickly. The uterus builds up a thick inner lining while the ovaries prepare eggs
for release (oocytes). The uterus thickens so a potential fertilized egg can implant and grow.
Hormones: Estrogen typically rises during this phase. This signals the uterine lining to grow.

• Phase 3: Ovulation
The dominant follicle reaches about 2 cm (0.8 in). When it bursts an egg leaves the ovary and enters the
fallopian tube. The release of an egg from an ovary is called ovulation.
Hormones: The dominant follicle in the ovary produces more and more estrogen as it grows larger. When
estrogen levels are high enough, they send a signal to the brain. The brain then causes a dramatic increase
in luteinizing hormone (LH). This spike is what causes the release of the egg to occur. Estrogen levels drop
right after ovulation.

• Phase 4: Secretory Phase

The endometrium (uterine lining) gets ready to support a pregnancy or to break down for menstruation. The
cells of the lining make and release many types of chemicals.
Hormones: Progesterone rises. This causes the uterine lining to stop thickening and prepare for a fertilized
egg. Cramping helps start the period. Blood vessels shrink and the uterine lining breaks down. The uterine
cells produce less of these chemicals if pregnancy happens.

OVARIAN CYCLE

MENSTRUAL CYCLE
 The Ovarian Cycle and the Menstrual (Uterine) Cycle
The ovarian cycle governs the preparation of endocrine tissues and release of eggs, while the menstrual
cycle governs the preparation and maintenance of the uterine lining. These cycles occur concurrently and are
coordinated over a 22–32 day cycle, with an average length of 28 days.

The Ovarian Cycle

Phases of the ovarian cycle: The ovary functions cyclically. The classic ovarian cycle lasts an average of 28
days. It is divided into three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

• Phase 1: Follicular Phase

The follicular phase initiates the female cycle. It begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with
ovulation. This phase, therefore, lasts an average of 14 days. It corresponds to the maturation phase of
the ovarian follicles. There are a total of six stages of follicular development.
• Phase 2: Ovulation
Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of a 28-day cycle. It is controlled by a hormone: LH. Ovulation
therefore only concerns the De Graaf follicle. Tertiary follicles that have not been selected degenerate. A
baby girl is born with 1 to 2 million follicles. However, only 300 to 400 of these follicles result in
ovulation, between puberty and menopause.
o How does ovulation take place during a fertility journey?
The ovarian stimulation phase avoids the degeneration phase of follicles that have not been
selected for ovulation. The aim is to recover several oocytes during the puncture in order to
increase the number of potential embryos.
• Phase 3: Luteal Phase
Following ovulation, the follicle undergoes a transformation into the corpus luteum. This plays a very
important role in the implantation of the embryo in the endometrium and in maintaining the pregnancy.
In the absence of an embryo, however, the corpus luteum degenerates, initiating a new menstrual cycle.
This luteal phase occurs during the last 14 days of the cycle until the next menstrual period.
The growing follicles secrete estrogen. The corpus luteum produces progesterone. These two
hormones control the cyclical activity of the endometrium: the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle

A menstrual cycle begins when you get your period or menstruate. This is when you shed the lining of your uterus.
This cycle is part of your reproductive system and prepares your body for a possible pregnancy. A typical cycle lasts
between 24 and 38 days.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

• Phase 1: Menses/Period Phase:

During the period – from the time vaginal bleeding starts to the time it ends. Blood from the previous cycle
from inside the uterus is shed through the cervix and vagina. The uterine lining, called the endometrium, is
thinnest during this phase. A typical period may last up to 8 days, but on average lasts about five or six.
 Hormones: Levels of estrogen and progesterone are typically at their lowest. This causes the top layers
of the lining to release and leave the body.

• Phase 2: Proliferative Phase

Proliferative means growing quickly. The uterus builds up a thick inner lining while the ovaries prepare eggs
for release (oocytes). The uterus thickens so a potential fertilized egg can implant and grow.
Hormones: Estrogen typically rises during this phase. This signals the uterine lining to grow.

• Phase 3: Ovulation
The dominant follicle reaches about 2 cm (0.8 in). When it bursts an egg leaves the ovary and enters the
fallopian tube. The release of an egg from an ovary is called ovulation.
Hormones: The dominant follicle in the ovary produces more and more estrogen as it grows larger. When
estrogen levels are high enough, they send a signal to the brain. The brain then causes a dramatic increase
in luteinizing hormone (LH). This spike is what causes the release of the egg to occur. Estrogen levels drop
right after ovulation.

• Phase 4: Secretory Phase

The endometrium (uterine lining) gets ready to support a pregnancy or to break down for menstruation. The
cells of the lining make and release many types of chemicals.
Hormones: Progesterone rises. This causes the uterine lining to stop thickening and prepare for a fertilized
egg. Cramping helps start the period. Blood vessels shrink and the uterine lining breaks down. The uterine
cells produce less of these chemicals if pregnancy happens.

OVARIAN CYCLE

MENSTRUAL CYCLE