Here is the step-by-step breakdown to fill in the boxes for your Nervous System worksheet. I will go through each section of the diagram and explain what belongs in the empty boxes.
Step 1: The Main Divisions
The nervous system is split into two main parts at the top.
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Central Nervous System (CNS): This is the control center. It consists of the brain and spinal cord. Its job is to process information and make decisions.
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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): This includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Its job is to connect the CNS to the rest of the body (limbs and organs).
Step 2: Central Nervous System Components
Under the Central Nervous System, there are two boxes for its parts:
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Brain: The command center that interprets sensory data and controls voluntary movements, thoughts, and emotions.
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Spinal Cord: A bundle of nerves inside the spine. It carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body and handles simple reflexes.
Step 3: Peripheral Nervous System Divisions
The Peripheral Nervous System splits into two systems based on what they control:
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Somatic Nervous System: This controls
voluntary movements. These are things you choose to do, like walking or picking up a pencil. It connects to skeletal muscles.
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Autonomic Nervous System: This controls
involuntary functions. These are things your body does automatically, like breathing, heart beating, and digesting food.
Step 4: Somatic Nervous System Pathways
The Somatic Nervous System has two types of neurons (nerve cells) that carry signals:
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Sensory (afferent) neurons: These carry signals
from the body (skin, eyes, ears)
to the brain/spinal cord. They tell the brain what is happening (e.g., "This stove is hot!").
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Motor (efferent) neurons: These carry signals
from the brain/spinal cord
to the muscles. They tell the muscles what to do (e.g., "Pull your hand away!").
Step 5: Autonomic Nervous System Divisions
The Autonomic Nervous System splits into two divisions that often work against each other to keep the body balanced:
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Sympathetic Division: Known as the
"Fight or Flight" system. It gets the body ready for action or stress. It speeds up the heart and breathing.
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Parasympathetic Division: Known as the
"Rest and Digest" system. It calms the body down after stress. It slows the heart and helps with digestion.
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Final Answer
Here is the text you should write in each box on your worksheet:
Top Level Boxes:
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Central Nervous System: Processes information and coordinates body activities.
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Peripheral Nervous System: Connects the central nervous system to limbs and organs.
Under Central Nervous System:
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Brain: Interprets sensory input and controls motor output; center of thought and emotion.
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Spinal Cord: Transmits nerve signals between the brain and the body; controls reflexes.
Under Peripheral Nervous System:
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Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
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Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary bodily functions (heart rate, digestion).
Under Somatic Nervous System:
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Sensory (afferent) neurons: Carry impulses from sensory receptors TO the central nervous system.
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Motor (efferent) neurons: Carry impulses FROM the central nervous system TO muscles and glands.
Under Autonomic Nervous System:
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Sympathetic Division: Activates "fight-or-flight" response during stress or danger.
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Parasympathetic Division: Activates "rest-and-digest" functions to calm the body.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of nervous system worksheet high school.
