The nervous system is a network of nerves and cells, working to carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.

• The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) o The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord ▪ The 3 parts of the brain: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain all have specific functions o The PNS consists of the nerves extending from the spinal cord that go throughout the entire body

• The PNS is divided into two divisions: the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system o The somatic nervous system consists of voluntary movement (ex. twisting a doorknob with your hand) o The autonomic nervous system consists of involuntary body actions (ex. digestive organs breaking down food, beating of the heart, etc.)

• The neurons are the basis of the nervous system. Different neurons have different jobs: o Motor neurons carry messages away from the brain to the rest of the body to produce movement o Sensory neurons carry messages from the body back to brain with information about

the outside environment

FUN FACT: The number of stars in the Milky Way is less than the number of nerve cells in the human brain.

Sources: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/brain -nervous-system.html Written by Shreya Ohri • Dead heart cells can never recover, so eat well and exercise to take care of your heart!