The Nervous System (Cambridge International A-Level Biology)

Spec point — 15.1.2 · compare the features of the nervous system and the endocrine system

The nervous system

• The human nervous system consists of the following:

  • Central nervous system (CNS)—the brain and the spinal cord
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)—all of the nerves in the body

• It allows us to make sense of our surroundings and respond to them and to coordinate and regulate body functions

• Information is sent through the nervous system as nerve impulses

  • These are electrical signals that pass along nerve cells known as neurones

• A bundle of neurones is known as a nerve

• Neurones coordinate the activities of sensory receptors (eg. those in the eye), decision-making centres in the central nervous system, and effectors such as muscles and glands

The human nervous system comprises the central and peripheral nervous systems