This lesson is an overview of the parts of the brain and the nervous system. You will gain knowledge through reading, videos, and games.
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The largest part of the brain in the cerebrum, which is divided into a left hemisphere and a right hemisphere.
The hemispheres are connected by a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum.
The main parts of the nervous system are the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
The central nervous system regulates all involuntary life functions and voluntary body activities through the brain and spinal cord.
The brain is the main organ of the central nervous system. It is the most important organ in the body because no part of the body can function without it.
The spinal cord is the other organ of the central nervous system. It is a bundle of nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the body. The backbone protects the spinal cord.
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Click on the icons to explore the parts of the brain.
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The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the outside world via nerves found in the brain and along the spinal cord.
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The peripheral nervous system is the link between you and the world around you. It has two main divisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
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The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movement by carrying information from sensory organs (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, skin) to the brain and from the brain to muscles and organs.
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The autonomic nervous system has two divisions: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
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The sympathetic nervous system is called the "fight or flight" system. It redirects resources to your heart, lungs, and muscles to enable you to deal with stressful or threatening situations.
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The parasympathetic nervous system is called the “rest and digest” system. After the stressful or threatening episode has passed, this system restores your body to its normal state.
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Neurons, aka nerve cells, are the main cells of the nervous system. These cells release chemical substances called neurotransmitters.
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The peripheral nervous system is made up of nerves come out of the brain and off the spinal cord.
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Cranial nerves come out of the brain. They are called cranial nerves because they are located in the part of the skull called the cranium. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
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Spinal nerves are located from the top to bottom of the spinal cord. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves. Spinal nerves control voluntary and involuntary movement from the neck down to the toes.
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