Mammalian Nervous System (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)

Structure & role of the mammalian nervous system

Spec point — 14.1.1 · State that electrical impulses travel along neurons Describe the mammalian nervous system in terms of: (a) the central nervous system (CNS) consisting of the brain and the spinal cord (b) the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consisting of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord Describe the role of the nervous system as coordination and regulation of body functions

Structure & role of the mammalian nervous system

• The human nervous system consists of the:

  • central nervous system (CNS) - the brain and the spinal cord
  • peripheral nervous system (PNS) - all of the nerves in the body

• The nervous system allows the body to:

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

• Information is sent through the nervous system as nerve impulses - electrical signals that pass along nerve cells known as neurones

• A bundle of neurones is known as a nerve

The human nervous system