Tujuan
1. Understand what the nervous system is and identify its main parts: the brain, cerebellum, and medulla, along with their functions.
2. Differentiate between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Kontekstualisasi
The nervous system is a complex network of cells and fibres that enables our bodies to respond to internal and external signals. For example, when we touch something hot and quickly pull our hand back, this fast reaction is managed by the nervous system. Grasping how this network works can help us understand everything from basic movements to intricate emotions. Professions such as neurologists, psychologists, and biomedical engineers rely on a solid understanding of the nervous system to create treatments, therapies, and innovative technologies like brain-controlled prosthetics.
Relevansi Subjek
Untuk Diingat!
Brain
The brain is the central organ of the nervous system, responsible for processing sensory information, coordinating movements, and managing vital functions. It is also the hub for emotions, memory, and learning.
-
The brain is divided into several regions, each with distinct functions (for instance, the frontal lobe for decision-making and the occipital lobe for visual processing).
-
It is safeguarded by the skull and encased in three protective membranes called meninges.
-
The human brain consists of about 86 billion neurons that communicate via synapses.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum sits at the back of the brain and is responsible for motor coordination, balance, and posture. It helps to ensure movements are smooth and accurate.
-
The cerebellum gathers sensory and motor information to fine-tune body movements.
-
Injuries to the cerebellum can result in coordination and balance problems, such as ataxia.
-
Even though it only accounts for around 10% of the brain's total volume, the cerebellum houses over 50% of the brain's neurons.
Medulla
The medulla, or medulla oblongata, is part of the brainstem that links the brain with the spinal cord. It regulates involuntary essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
-
The medulla manages crucial reflexes such as breathing and heart rate.
-
Injuries to the medulla can be life-threatening due to its role in controlling essential bodily functions.
-
It also coordinates certain reflexes like vomiting, coughing, and sneezing.
Aplikasi Praktis
-
Development of neural prosthetics that enable control of artificial limbs through brain signals.
-
Medical treatments for neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, which require a deep understanding of the nervous system.
-
Advancements in cognitive neuroscience that assist in creating techniques to enhance learning and memory.
Istilah Kunci
-
Neuron: A nerve cell that transmits nerve impulses.
-
Synapse: The connection between two neurons where neurotransmitters are passed.
-
Neurotransmitters: Chemical substances that carry signals across the synapse.
Pertanyaan untuk Refleksi
-
How can our understanding of the nervous system influence the creation of new medical technologies?
-
In what ways can studying the nervous system enhance people's quality of life?
-
What are the ethical implications of utilizing advanced technologies, like neural prosthetics, in modern medicine?
Creating a Neural Circuit
In this mini-challenge, you'll create a neural circuit using simple materials to discover how neurons communicate through synapses, transmitting electrical and chemical signals.
Instruksi
-
Gather materials: wires (to symbolize axons and dendrites), beads (to represent neurotransmitters), small batteries (to act as electrical signals), and LEDs (to signify neuron activation).
-
Assemble the circuit by connecting the wires to the batteries and LEDs to allow electric energy to flow through the circuit.
-
Place the beads at the connection points to represent the transfer of neurotransmitters at the synapses.
-
Observe how the electrical energy (nerve signal) lights up the LEDs (neurons), illustrating neural communication.
-
Write a short report describing the process, explaining how signal transmission occurs in the nervous system and the role of neurotransmitters.
