# The Nervous System: Structure, Function and Control

Central concept: **Nervous System**

## Connections

- Nervous System (comprises) -> Central Nervous System
- Nervous System (comprises) -> Peripheral Nervous System
- Nervous System (contains) -> Neuron
- Nervous System (uses) -> Sensory Receptors
- Central Nervous System (includes) -> Brain Structures
- Peripheral Nervous System (includes) -> Somatic Nervous System
- Peripheral Nervous System (includes) -> Autonomic Nervous System
- Neuron (transmits) -> Action Potential
- Neuron (forms) -> Synapse
- Synapse (uses) -> Neurotransmitters
- Reflex arcs can occur in both the somatic nervous system (e.g., patellar reflex) and the autonomic nervous system (e.g., pupillary reflex).
- Sensory Receptors (initiates) -> Reflex Arc

## Notes

- **Nervous System**: Biological system that controls physiological processes and maintains homeostasis through response to stimuli [Topic](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22533), [Topic](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22532)
- **Central Nervous System**: Brain and spinal cord; processes information and coordinates responses [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535)
- **Peripheral Nervous System**: Nerves connecting CNS to body; transmits sensory and motor signals [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535)
- **Somatic Nervous System**: Voluntary control of skeletal muscles and sensory perception [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535)
- **Autonomic Nervous System**: Involuntary control of internal organs and glands [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535)
- **Neuron**: Basic functional unit; transmits electrical and chemical signals [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534)
- **Action Potential**: Electrical signal transmission along neuron; follows all-or-none response [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534)
- **Synapse**: Junction between neurons; uses neurotransmitters for signal transmission [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534)
- Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine; cholinesterase is the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine after transmission. [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534)
- **Reflex Arc**: Rapid involuntary response pathway; examples include patellar and pupillary reflexes [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22536)
- **Sensory Receptors**: Detect environmental stimuli; include olfactory, taste, proprioceptors, and skin receptors [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22539)
- **Brain Structures**: Cerebral hemispheres, lobes, cerebellum, pons, medulla, hypothalamus regulate functions [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535), [Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535)

![The Nervous System: Structure, Function and Control](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/api/generate/74976d4a-dc51-492b-9bbb-0fe5dd6b52ca/asset/1407)

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*AILI word map · language en · model claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · generated 2026-09-17 · id 74976d4a-dc51-492b-9bbb-0fe5dd6b52ca*

### Sources

- node:n1: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems › General Outcome 1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535)
- node:n2: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems › General Outcome 1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534)
- node:n3: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems › General Outcome 1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22535)
- node:n4: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems › General Outcome 1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22534)
- node:n5: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22533)
- node:n6: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems › General Outcome 2 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22552)
- node:n7: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems › General Outcome 1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22536)
- node:n8: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22532)
- resource:r1: Resources › type#studentsupport, type#teachersupport › SCN3230 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/resource/HtflATGvg0-WipjJr-maLw)
- node:n9: Biology › Biology (20, 30) › Biology 30 › Unit A: Nervous & Endocrine Systems › General Outcome 1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/22539)