The Nervous System

The nervous system is the bodies fast acting control system. Sensory receptors detect changes in the body and send messages via electrical signals called nerve impulses. The cental nervous system assess the information it receives and responds by activating the appropriate muscles or glands.


The lower brain stem contains the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata conducts impulses traveling between the brain and spinal cord. This area also controls involuntary actions like breathing and swallowing. The pons, above the medulla oblongata, links the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum.

Although the heart would be able to contract on its own, the nervous system enables a constant regular beat. The nerves relay messages from the brain and are able to slow down or speed up the heart beat according to its needs.