Bethany Lehnert

There are three functions of the nervous system: receiving information, deciding what to do, and
acting on those decisions. Structures called sensory receptors at the end of the neurons that provide the
sensory function of the nervous system. The gain information by detecting the changes that are
happening inside and outside of the body in order to make the adjustments needed to fix it. The CNS
(central nervous system) get their information from the sensory receptors. These signals are then
integrate. After this conscious or subconscious decisions are made by the means of the motor functions.
These decisions help regulate many functions within the nervous system and as well as outside of the
nervous system.

Figure 1 Brain with protections

Figure 2 Neuralgia

Figure 3 Sheep brain labeled

Figure 5 Cranial nerve assessment

Cranial Nerve

Nerve name

Assessment

Results

Offactory

Sniff aromatic oil (ability to smell)

II

Optic

Read a Snellen eye chart

Blurry

III

Oculomotor

Observe eyelids

IV

Trochlear

Look up and down

Trigeminal

Lightly touch the cornea of the eye

VI

Abducens

Shin light on pupils

VII

Facial

Smiling, raising eyebrows and ability to

taste

VIII

Vestibulocochlear

Standing straight with eyes closed

IX

Glossopharyngeal

Gag response

Vagus

Checking uvula

XI

Accessory

Shrugging shoulders against resistance

XII

Hypoglossal

Sticking tongue out

Table 1 Cranial nerve assessment

Graph 1 Action potential

Toxin

Effects

Toxin

Destroys the myelin covering the optic nerves

Arrow with a sticky residue covering the tip

Used to prick uncooperative prisoners

Batrachotoxin

Causes voltage gated sodium channels to open

a more negative membrane potential

Dendrotoxin K from venom

Will block your voltage-gated potassium

channels very quickly

General anesthetic like sevoflurane

Table 2 Toxin table

Will open more potassium channels in neurons

of reticular formation in the brainstem

Figure 4 Cat nerves labeled

http://www.thinglink.com/scene/631603746677194754

Figure 5 Cat nerves labeled continued

http://www.thinglink.com/scene/631603297123303424

Figure 6 Spinal cord labeled

http://www.thinglink.com/scene/631485088894287874
Photo credits to Perla
In summary, there are different functions and structures to the nervous system. On of the most well
known structures of the nervous system is the brain The brain had protection levels around it called:

cranium and scalp. With it as well is fluid to reduce impact. The functions of these protections are to
protect the brain from any outside forces that may cause harm to it. Within the nervous system there is
also the spinal cord. Within the spinal cord, neurons are through nerves, to various parts of the body.
The function of the nerves are to regulate and help maintain homeostasis within the body systems.