Main Parts:

• Brain: Controls thoughts, movements, and emotions.

• Spinal Cord: Connects the brain to the body.

• Nerves: Carry messages to and from the brain and body.

Two Main Divisions:

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain + spinal cord.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All other nerves in the body.

Functions:

• Sensory Input: Gathers information from the body (feeling touch or pain).

• Motor Output: Sends signals to muscles to move.

• Control: Coordinates actions like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.

Neurons (Nerve Cells):

• Carry messages through the body.

• Made up of:

• Dendrites (receive messages)

• Axons (send messages)

Brain Areas:

• Cerebrum: Thinking, memory, movement.

• Cerebellum: Balance and coordination.

• Brainstem: Basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat.

Autonomic Nervous System (controls automatic functions):

• Sympathetic: Prepares the body for action (fight).

• Parasympathetic: Calms the body down (rest and digest).

Common Problems:

• Alzheimer’s: Affects memory.

• Parkinson’s: Affects movement.

• Stroke: Disrupts brain function.