Nervous System Concept Map

 

 

The nervous system contains many divisions, all of which sustain differing functions. This activity will help you understand the many aspects and roles of the nervous system.

 

After learning about the nervous system and its variety of subdivisions, create a concept map as an overview of the system. A list of terms  that must be incorporated into the assignment is provided below, but feel free to add terms as needed. You will be required to write the relationship that exists between the two concepts that you linked together in words on the connecting lines.  A single concept can have many other concepts linked to it.  Be sure to write down the relationship on the line for full marks.

 

Terms that must be included are:

 

Central nervous system

Peripheral nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

Sympathetic nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system

Cerebrospinal fluid

Meninges

Spinal cord

Spinal nerves

Cranial nerves

Sensory nerves

Motor nerves

Ventricles

Brainstem

 

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nervous System Concept Map Outline

 

Start with the highest-level concept and branch downward, ensuring all required terms (bolded) are used and the relationship is written on the connecting lines.

 

I. Major Divisions (Root)

 

Nervous System

$\downarrow$ is divided into

$\rightarrow$ Central nervous system (CNS)

$\rightarrow$ Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

 

II. Central Nervous System (CNS) Branch

 

Central nervous system

$\downarrow$ is protected by

$\rightarrow$ Meninges

$\downarrow$ protects and contains

$\rightarrow$ Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

$\downarrow$ is housed within cavities called

$\rightarrow$ Ventricles

Central nervous system

$\downarrow$ is composed of

$\rightarrow$ Brainstem

$\rightarrow$ Spinal cord

Brainstem

$\downarrow$ is the origin of many

$\rightarrow$ Cranial nerves (along with the brain)

Spinal cord

$\downarrow$ gives rise to

$\rightarrow$ Spinal nerves

 

III. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Branch

 

Peripheral nervous system

$\downarrow$ is composed of

$\rightarrow$ Spinal nerves

$\rightarrow$ Cranial nerves

$\rightarrow$ Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Spinal nerves

$\downarrow$ contain

$\rightarrow$ Sensory nerves (afferent pathway)

$\rightarrow$ Motor nerves (efferent pathway)

Cranial nerves

$\downarrow$ contain

$\rightarrow$ Sensory nerves (some are purely sensory)

$\rightarrow$ Motor nerves (some are purely motor)

 

IV. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Branch

 

Autonomic nervous system

$\downarrow$ is composed of

$\rightarrow$ Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

$\rightarrow$ Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)

Sympathetic nervous system

$\rightarrow$ controls $\leftarrow$ Parasympathetic nervous system

$\downarrow$ (has opposing effects on organs)

Sympathetic nervous system

$\downarrow$ is know

Parasympathetic nervous system

$\downarrow$ is known for

$\rightarrow$ "Rest and digest" functions

 

Complete List of Connections for Drawing Your Map

 

Use the connections below to draw the lines and write the relationship text:

Nervous System $\rightarrow$ Central nervous system (is divided into)

Nervous System $\rightarrow$ Peripheral nervous system (is divided into)

Central nervous system $\rightarrow$ Meninges (is protected by)

Meninges $\rightarrow$ Cerebrospinal fluid (contains and surrounds)

Central nervous system $\rightarrow$ Ventricles (contains fluid-filled cavities called)

Ventricles $\rightarrow$ Cerebrospinal fluid (produces and contains)

Central nervous system $\rightarrow$ Brainstem (is a major component of)

Central nervous system $\rightarrow$ Spinal cord (is a major component of)

Brainstem $\rightarrow$ Cranial nerves (is the primary origin for many)

Spinal cord $\rightarrow$ Spinal nerves (gives rise to 31 pairs of)

Peripheral nervous system $\rightarrow$ Spinal nerves (is composed of)

Peripheral nervous system $\rightarrow$ Cranial nerves (is composed of)

Peripheral nervous system $\rightarrow$ Autonomic nervous system (is a major functional division of)

Spinal nerves $\rightarrow$ Sensory nerves (contain afferent axons known as)

Spinal nerves $\rightarrow$ Motor nerves (contain efferent axons known as)

Cranial nerves $\rightarrow$ Sensory nerves (some are purely)

Cranial nerves $\rightarrow$ Motor nerves (some are purely)

Autonomic nervous system $\rightarrow$ Sympathetic nervous system (is a sub-division of)

Autonomic nervous system $\rightarrow$ Parasympathetic nervous system (is a sub-division of)