Chapter 8
Nervous System:
Spinal Cord &
Peripheral Nerves
1. Describe the organization of the
nervous system according to its
structure and function. (PSLO #1)
2. Identify types of nerves and
describe the transmission of nerve
impulses. (PSLO #1)
Student 3. Explain the function of
Objectives neurotransmitters at the synapse
and describe roles of major
neurotransmitters. (PSLO #1)
4. Differentiate between the
functions of the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous system.
(PSLO #1)
2
3
Spinal Cord
Structure
Continuation of the
brain stem
Tube-like structure
located in the spinal
cavity
Extends from
foramen magnum
to L1
Diameter similar to
the thickness of the 1. Describe the organization of
thumb the nervous system according
to its structure and function.
(PSLO #1)
Overview of Nervous 4
System 1. Describe the organization of
the nervous system according
to its structure and function.
(PSLO #1)
Role of the Nervous System
Coordinates all body systems.
Detects and responds to stimuli.
Brain and spinal cord act as switching centers.
Nerves carry messages to and from centers.
5
Central nervous system
(CNS)
Divisions • Brain
• Spinal cord
of the
Peripheral nervous
system (PNS)
• Cranial nerves
• Spinal nerves
Nervous Nerve—fiber bundle within the PNS
System Tract—fiber bundle within the CNS
1. Describe the organization of
the nervous system according
to its structure and function.
(PSLO #1)
6
Division
s
1. Describe the organization of
the nervous system according
to its structure and function.
(PSLO #1)
7
Somatic =
Skeletal
Functional division
of the PNS Table8-1
1. Describe the organization of
the nervous system according
to its structure and function.
(PSLO #1)
Neuron Structure 8
Neurons are the functional cells of the nervous
system.
They are highly specialized with a unique
structure related to their function.
Cell body
Contains the nucleus and other organelles
Cell fibers
Dendrites carry impulses to cell body.
Axons carry impulses away from cell
body.
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Neuron
Neuron Function 10
2. Identify types of nerves
and describe the
transmission of nerve
impulses. (PSLO #1)
Myelin Sheath 11
Some axons insulated and
protected by a fatty myelin sheath.
In the PNS, myelin sheath is formed by
Schwann cells.
Outermost membrane of Schwann
cell forms neurilemma.
In the CNS, myelin sheath formed by
oligodendrocytes.
1
2
Myelin
Sheath
Copyright © 2011, 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The Nervous System at Work 13
Neurons convey action potentials (electric
impulses) over large distances down the axon.
The Resting Stage = polarized neuron
Depolarization = stimulus is rising
(stimulated)
Repolarization = stimulus is falling
(returning to rest)
14
15
Saltatory Conduction
Myelin Sheath speeds
up conduction
Myelin Sheath causes the
action potential to “jump”
from node to node along
the myelin sheath =
making the conduction
happen even faster
16
Synapse
Junction point for
transmitting nerve
impulse from neuron to
another cell
Spinal Cord 1
7
and Spinal
Nerves
Cervical—8
Thoracic—12
Lumbar—5
Sacral—5
Coccygeal—1
Diagram**
Spinal Tracts 18
Sensory impulses Motor impulses
entering the spinal cord traveling from the brain
are referred to as are carried in
ascending tracts descending tracts
toward the PNS
Interneurons found only
in the CNS and integrate
BOTH sensory and motor
1
9
.
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Allows the organs to respond
to changing body needs
Broken into sympathetic and
Autonomic parasympathetic divisions
Nervous
System (ANS) Carries out automatic and
unconscious visceral responses
Regulates organ function
4. Differentiate (visceral reflexes)
between the functions
of the sympathetic and • Examples: pupillary response and
parasympathetic blood pressure reflex
nervous system. (PSLO
#1)
2
Autonomic 1
Nervous System:
Divisions
Parasympathetic
(acts as a balance once
a crisis has passed)
Non-stressful
situations
Feed and breed
Sympathetic (stressful
situations)
4. Differentiate
Fight-or-flight
between the functions
of the sympathetic and
Table 8-2**** parasympathetic
nervous system. (PSLO
#1)
3. Explain the function of
Receptors neurotransmitters at the
synapse and describe22 roles
of major
neurotransmitters. (PSLO
#1)
Sympathetic Parasympathetic
Neurons release
Neurons releasing
neurotransmitter: neurotransmitter: Ach
norepinephrine/epineph Cholinergic Receptor
rine Muscarinic receptors
Adrenergic – “activated Nicotinic receptors
by adrenaline”
Beta- Heart Skeletal Muscle contraction
(Somatic Nervous System)
Alpha – Lungs
It can either stimulate or
(Thoracic Cavity) inhibit a response.
Example – stimulate digestive
organs but inhibits the heart
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