Learn
some fun nervous system facts for kids. The nervous system of humans
and other animals is a vital part of how the body functions.
Components
of the nervous system including neurons, glial cells and axon all
help send nerve signals around the body. Read on to find out about
the two main parts of our body's nervous system and many other
interesting facts.
The
nervous system is a complex structure of nerves of neurons that
transmit signals around the body to coordinate actions. It
is in effect our body's electrical wiring.
The
nervous system of vertebrates (which includes humans and animals
that have backbones and spinal columns) has two parts, the central
nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The
CNS includes thebrain,
spinal cord and retina of theeyes.
The brain is protected by the skull, and the spinal cord by the
skeletal vertebrae.
The
PNS includes all other nervous system structures that sit outside
the CNS but that help connect the CNS to areas of the body.
Nerves
are enclosed bundles of long fibers called axons which are made up
of nerve cells. There are two types of nerve cells: neurons and
glial cells.
Glial
(or glia) cells are derived from the Greek word "glue".
They are specialized cells that provide structure and support to
neurons. They help hold neurons in place, supply nutrients to
neurons, destroy germs, remove dead neurons, and direct axons of
neurons.
Some
types of glial cells generate a substance called myelin that coat
axons and work as electrical insulation to help them quickly and
efficiently transmit signals.
Neurons
quickly and precisely send signals as electrochemical waves along
axons to other cells. There are two types of neurons, sensory
neurons and motor neurons.
Sensory
neurons change light, touch and sound into neural signals which are
sent back to our CNS to help our body understand and react to its
surroundings.
Motor
neurons transmit neural signals to activate muscles or glands.
There
are approximately 100 billion neurons in the human brain and 13.5
million neurons in the human spinal chord.
The
nervous system can transmit signals at speeds of 100 meters (328
feet) per second.
The
field of science that focuses on the study of the nervous system is
called neuroscience. Neurology is the medical branch of study and
treatment, while doctors and surgeons in this field are called
neurologists and neurosurgeons.
Nerves
in our body can be vulnerable to both physical damage and damage
through diseases. Damage to nerves can cause great pain, loss of
feeling, or loss of muscle control.
Physiatrists
help rehabilitate patients with nervous system damage.
NOSE QUIZ
Q.1 Your
nose helps you:
A) Smell, sneeze,
and hear B) Smell, see, and feel
C) Smell, taste, and
breathe D) Smell, smile, and smooch
Q.2 What are the
two holes on your nose called?
A) Septum B) Blow holes C) Nostrils D) Cartilage
Q.3 Made out of
thin pieces of bone, this wall separates your nasal passages:
A) Nostrils B) Cartilage C) Bridge D) Septum
Q.4 These are
sensitive to odor molecules and help your brain recognize smells:
A) Receptors B) Nostrils C) Nasal passages D) Nose hair
Q.5 This icky
stuff, also known as boogers, helps capture dust, germs, and small
particles. Its medical name is:
A) Wax B) Saliva C) Mucus D) Slime
Q.6 If a large
particle, like pollen, gets trapped in your nose and tickles it, what
happens?
A) You might cough B) You might sneeze
C) Your nose might
stop breathing D) You might burp
Q.7 What moves
back and forth to move mucus out of the sinuses and the back of the
nose?
A) Boogers B) Snot C) Receptors D) Cilia
Q.8 What is
behind your nose and connects with the back of the throat?
A) Nasal cavity B) Nasal passage C) Hard palate D) Bone
Q.9 The nose and
tongue work together to help you taste.
A) True B) False
Q.10 There are at
least ______ million receptors in your nose!
A) 10 B) 20 C) 30 D) 40
KEY
Q.1 Your nose helps
you: ✓C)
Smell, taste, and breathe
Q.2 What are the two
holes on your nose called? ✓C)
Nostrils
Q.3 Made out of thin
pieces of bone, this wall separates your nasal passages: ✓D)
Septum
Q.4 These are
sensitive to odor molecules and help your brain recognize smells:
✓A)
Receptors
Q.5 This icky stuff,
also known as boogers, helps capture dust, germs, and small
particles. Its medical name is: ✓C) Mucus
Q.6 If a large
particle, like pollen, gets trapped in your nose and tickles it, what
happens?
✓B) You might
sneeze
Q.7 What moves back
and forth to move mucus out of the sinuses and the back of the nose?
✓D)Cilia
Q.8 What is behind
your nose and connects with the back of the throat? ✓A)
Nasal cavity
Q.9 The nose and
tongue work together to help you taste. ✓A)
True
Q.10 There are at
least ______ million receptors in your nose! ✓A)
10
