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NERVOUS SYSTEM
Surekha H
9920182842
Nervous System

Definition:
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves & nerve
cells (Neurons)that carry messages to & from the brain &
spinal cord to the various parts of the body.

A series of sensory receptors work with the nervous system

to provide information about changes in both the internal
and external environment.

The human nervous system is a complex of interconnected

systems in which larger systems are comprised of smaller
subsystems each of which have specific structures with
specific functions. 2
 Nervous System & Its Parts

• Neuron- The basic cell makes up the nervous system and

that receives & sends messages within the system.

• Dendrites- The parts of the neuron that receive messages

from other cells are called the dendrites.

• Axon- Axon is a fibre attached to soma, and its job is to

carry messages out to other cells.
 NERVOUS SYSTEM

NS

CNS PNS

SPINAL SOMAT
BRAIN ANS
CORD IC

SNS PSNS

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Central Nervous System
Central nervous system is composed of two major interconnected
organs –
➢ Brain
➢ Spinal Cord

➢ The brain is an organ of nervous tissue responsible for responses,

sensation, movement, emotions, communication, thought processing,
and memory. The skull, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluids protect
the human brain.

➢ The spinal cord is a vital aspect of the CNS found within the vertebral
column. Its purpose is to send motor commands from the brain to the
peripheral body and relay sensory information from the sensory
organs to the brain. Bone, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluids provide
spinal cord protection.

➢ The brain is divided into 2 hemispheres, the left and the right.
 Brain
➢ Forebrain
Midbrain
Hindbrain(Brainstem)
Protected by Skull and Cerebral Spinal
Fluid

➢ Weighs about 3 pounds in adults

➢ 75% water
➢ 20% of oxygen
➢ Contains over 100 billion neurons
➢ Controlls bodily functions and
interactions with the outside world

➢ The brain is composed of -

cerebrum, cerebellum, and
brainstem.
• Cerebrum: is the largest part of the brain and is composed of
right and left hemispheres. It performs higher functions like
interpreting touch, vision and hearing, as well as speech,
reasoning, emotions, learning, and fine control of
movement.

The cerebrum is divided into four lobes:

frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal.
Two sets of blood vessels supply blood and oxygen to the
brain:
the vertebral arteries and
the carotid arteries.
 Cerebellum
• The cerebellum is a vital component in the human brain as it
plays a role in motor movement regulation and balance
control. The cerebellum coordinates and maintains posture,
controls muscle tone and voluntary muscle activity but is
unable to initiate muscle contraction.

• Brain Stem-The brain stem is in the lowest part of the brain

(just above the back of the neck) and is made up of the
midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. It controls many vital
functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure,
and the nerves and muscles used in seeing, hearing, walking,
talking, and eating.
 Brainstem
• The brainstem is the lower extension of the brain, located in
front of the cerebellum and connected to the spinal cord.
It consists of three structures: the midbrain, pons and
medulla oblongata.
It serves as a relay station, passing messages back and forth
between various parts of the body and the cerebral cortex.
Many simple or primitive functions that are essential for
survival are located here.

The midbrain is an important center for ocular motion while

the pons is involved with coordinating eye and facial
movements, facial sensation, hearing and balance.

The medulla oblongata controls breathing, blood pressure,

heart rhythms and swallowing.
 Peripheral Nervous system
➢ The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that
runs throughout the head, neck, and body. It carries
messages to and from the central nervous system (the brain
and spinal cord).

➢ The peripheral nervous system is further subdivided into the

somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system consists of nerves that go to the
skin and muscles and is involved in conscious activities. The
autonomic nervous system consists of nerves that connect
the CNS to the visceral organs such as the heart, stomach,
and intestines.
Autonomous Nervous system

1. Symphathetic Nervous System – “Fight & Flight”

2. Parasymphathetic Nervous System – “Rest & Digest”
3. Enteric NS - Present in the wall of the
gut.

Somatic Nervous System

1. Responsible for voluntary response
2. Sensory & Motor response
3. Responsible for muscle contraction
4. Sensory nerves - Afferent - From Periphery to Brain
5. Motor nerves - Efferent – From Brain to Periphery
• Sympathetic centres are situated in cervical , thorax &
lumbar spine.
They are called Ganglions.

• The parasympathetic nervous system is composed of cells

located in the brain stem and the sacral region of the spinal
cord, and for this reason, it has been referred to as the
craniosacral system.
• Pituitary Gland
Sometimes called the “master gland,” the pituitary gland is a pea-
sized structure found deep in the brain behind the bridge of the
nose. The pituitary gland governs the function of other glands in the
body, regulating the flow of hormones from the thyroid, adrenals,
ovaries and testicles.
It receives chemical signals from the hypothalamus through its stalk
and blood supply.

Amygdala
Small, almond-shaped structures, an amygdala is located under each
half (hemisphere) of the brain. Included in the limbic system, the
amygdalae regulate emotion and memory and are associated with
the brain’s reward system, stress, and the “fight or flight” response
when someone perceives a threat.
➢ Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a small structure that contains nerve
connections that send messages to the pituitary gland.

The hypothalamus handles information that comes from the

autonomic nervous system.

It plays a role in controlling functions such as eating, sexual

behavior and sleeping; and regulates body temperature,
emotions, secretion of hormones and movement.

The pituitary gland develops from an extension of the

hypothalamus downwards and from a second component
extending upward from the roof of the mouth.
• Thalamus
The thalamus serves as a relay station for almost all information that
comes and goes to the cortex.
It plays a role in pain sensation, attention and alertness.
It consists of four parts: the hypothalamus, the epythalamus, the
ventral thalamus and the dorsal thalamus.

Cranial Nerves
There are 12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brain itself.
• Medulla Oblongata

Our medulla oblongata is the bottom-most part of your brain. Its

location means it’s where your brain and spinal cord connect, making
it a key conduit for nerve signals to and from your body. It also helps
control vital processes like your heartbeat, breathing and blood
pressure.

Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is found within the brain and surrounds the
brain and the spinal cord. It is a clear, watery substance that helps to
cushion the brain and spinal cord from injury. This fluid circulates
through channels around the spinal cord and brain, constantly being
absorbed and replenished. It is within hollow channels in the brain,
called ventricles, that the fluid is produced
• Electrical activity of Brain

Waves - State of mind

Delta - Deep sleep , Coma
Theta - Deep relaxation , sleep
Alpha - Relaxed , wakeful state
Beta - Regular mental activities
Gamma- Psychosis , epileptic attack

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• Characteristics of SNS & PSNS

Symphathetic Nervous System

> Increases secretion
> Generates energy
> Elevates B.P
> Increased heart rate
> Awareness , more sweating
 Parasymphathetic Nervous System

> Breathing slows down

> Breathe awareness improves
> Slows down heart rate
> Dilates blood vessels
> Decreases pupil size
> Increases digestion
> Relaxes muscle in GI Track
 ASHTANG YOG & NS
> Yoga is an experiential science
> Its an art of living
> Yoga is nothing but modifying the
anatomy & physiology of NS
> After yoga practise ,stress mechanism
slows down
> Yoga reconditions brain mechanism

Ashtang Yoga
Yama , Niyam , Asana ,Pranayam , Pratyahar , dharana , Dhyan,
samadhi
Disorders of CNS

1. Alzeimer’s Disease
2.Epilepsy
3.Multiple sclerosis
4.Parkinson’s Disease
5.Migraines
6.Dimentia
 QUESTIONS

Find out asanas to strengthen Nervous System

Effect of Pranayam on mind

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