Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
The Central and Peripheral Nervous
Systems
Mark D’Arcy (BSc (Hons), MSc)
, Learning outcomes
1. Describe the general ways in which the nervous system processes
information
2. Name the major parts and functions of the brain
3. Distinguish among motor, sensory, and association areas of the
cerebral cortex
4. Describe the structure of the spinal cord and its major functions
5. List the major parts of the peripheral nervous system
6. Describe the functions of the autonomic nervous system
7. Distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
of the autonomic nervous system
8. Describe the function of each part of a reflex arc, and name two
examples
, Functions of the Nervous System
• To detect internal and external environments
• To process and store information
• To use information to direct behaviour, body processes
(together with endocrine system)
Three processes:
1. Perception - mediated by specialized receptors linked to
sensory neurons
2. Information transfer and processing – mediated by neurons
(1011 neurons in the brain)
3. Output – exert control of body movement, respiration etc via
neurons
, General Principle of Connectivity
• Sensory information from
periphery relayed towards
CNS – ascending (afferent)
pathways
• Interneurons – integrate
information in CNS
• Motor output commands –
descending (efferent)
pathways
The Central and Peripheral Nervous
Systems
Mark D’Arcy (BSc (Hons), MSc)
, Learning outcomes
1. Describe the general ways in which the nervous system processes
information
2. Name the major parts and functions of the brain
3. Distinguish among motor, sensory, and association areas of the
cerebral cortex
4. Describe the structure of the spinal cord and its major functions
5. List the major parts of the peripheral nervous system
6. Describe the functions of the autonomic nervous system
7. Distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
of the autonomic nervous system
8. Describe the function of each part of a reflex arc, and name two
examples
, Functions of the Nervous System
• To detect internal and external environments
• To process and store information
• To use information to direct behaviour, body processes
(together with endocrine system)
Three processes:
1. Perception - mediated by specialized receptors linked to
sensory neurons
2. Information transfer and processing – mediated by neurons
(1011 neurons in the brain)
3. Output – exert control of body movement, respiration etc via
neurons
, General Principle of Connectivity
• Sensory information from
periphery relayed towards
CNS – ascending (afferent)
pathways
• Interneurons – integrate
information in CNS
• Motor output commands –
descending (efferent)
pathways
