Page 39 - Active Science 5 Ebook and Activity

N ervous System Brain

How are you able to think, feel, smell,
hear, see and learn? All this is possible
because of the nervous system. It is a very Spinal
important system of the body. It makes us Cord

aware of our surroundings. It coordinates Nerves
and controls the other systems of the body.

The nervous system is made up of three main parts:

1. Brain

2. Spinal cord

3. Nerves

The Brain
The brain is the control centre of the nervous system. The Nervous System
It is divided into three major parts – cerebrum, Ventricles
Cerebrum
cerebellum and brain system (medulla). Meninges (fluid-filled spaces)

1. Cerebrum: This is the biggest part of the brain.
It is the part that controls our ability to think, Skull
learn, decide, remember, dream and feel. It also

receives and interprets information from our
Pons Brain
sense organs. Medulla stem
Cerebellum
2. Cerebellum: This is the second biggest part Spinal cord
of the brain. It is present behind the cerebrum
and controls the balance and posture of our body. The Human Brain

Moreover, the actions of the muscles in the body are also controlled by the cerebellum.

3. Brain stem (or medulla): Brain stem joins the spinal cord to the brain. It controls
all our involuntary actions like breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure and muscle
movements in the digestive system.
Vertebrae
Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a system of nerves
running from the base of the brain to the
lower end of the backbone. It is protected Vertebral

inside the backbone. Messages travel from column
the brain to the spinal cord and then to all
parts of the body. Spinal Cord

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