The human nervous system
I can describe the parts that make up the human nervous system that enables us to sense and respond to changes.
The human nervous system
I can describe the parts that make up the human nervous system that enables us to sense and respond to changes.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The human body has a nervous system that enables us to sense and respond quickly to changes outside and inside the body.
- Examples of stimulus (e.g. increase in temperature) and response (e.g. sweating).
- The structures that make up the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Receptors detect stimuli; they can be single cells (e.g. in the skin) or groups of cells in sense organs (e.g. the eye).
- Sensory neurones join receptors to the CNS; motor neurones join the CNS to effectors that carry out the response.
Common misconception
There are multiple misunderstandings about the nervous system, including the order and function of neurones, the roles of the stimulus, receptor and effector, and the central and peripheral parts.
The pathway through the nervous system is built up with examples and demonstrated as a flowchart. The roles of the different parts is explained and practised, and distinctions are made between the central and peripheral parts.
Keywords
Nervous system - Detects and coordinates a response to changes in internal or external environment.
Receptor - Senses a change in the environment, such as a change in light or temperature.
Stimulus - The change in the environment, such as a sound, touch or light.
Neurone - A nerve cell which transmits electrical impulses between different parts of the body.
Effector - A muscle or gland which carries out a response.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
tongue
nose
skin
light
contract and relax to bring about movement
provide energy and insulation
transmit electrical impulses
Exit quiz
6 Questions
processes messages and coordinates responses
dense column of nerve cells that connects the PNS and CNS
transmits electrical impulses between different parts of the body
detect changes in the environment
move body part away
sweating
pupils narrow
release insulin