Introduction to the Brain and Nervous System

Explore the amazing brain and nervous system!

Read both sections below and answer the questions. Introduction to the Brain and Nervous SystemBy Jennifer KennyMove your fingers. Scratch your leg. Yawn. Decide what you want to eat. Count to ten. Remember your favorite TV show. Your nervous system lets you do all of this and more.There are three parts to your nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The brain is found inside your head. The spinal cord is inside your backbone. Finally, there are two kinds of nerves: peripheral nerves and autonomic nerves.Your brain is the overall control of all things that happen in the body. Some people think of the brain like a principal in a school. Others think of the brain like a computer but even more complicated. Some people think of the brain like a government that runs a large city.Every second of every day throughout your life your brain is the center of your thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It is where you concentrate, daydream, learn, and remember. It also controls the things you don't think about, like your breathing, your heartbeat, and your digestion. 1. You could not scratch your itchy arm without your brain. false true 2. There are _ main parts to your nervous system. five two ten three 3. Which is something people DON'T usually compare the brain to? a computer a fireplace the government in a large city a principal In order for your brain to do all of these things, it needs the help of the nerves. The nerves send and receive messages to and from all parts of your body so all of these activities can be organized.The brain and spinal cord act like a central office. Messages from your sense organs (which are your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin) are analyzed here to let you know what's going on. Also, the brain and spinal cord can send messages to tell your muscles and other parts of your body what to do. For example, when you touch a hot pot, messages go so quickly that you don't have to think about pulling your hand away; you just do it!Things are constantly happening around us and inside of us. We couldn't do anything without our very special nervous system! 4. The nerves send and receive messages to and from your body parts. true false 5. Which is NOT a sense organ? tongue ears lungs eyes 6. Which is NOT a main part of your nervous system? spinal cord teeth brain nerves