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Pharmacology · chapter 9 · Introduction to the Nervous System

Introduction to the Nervous System

The 9 things this section of the textbook says that you are most likely to be asked about — quoted word for word, not retold. Then 4 practice questions with the reasoning.

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Key points

  1. Central and peripheral nervous systems

    The nervous system is composed of the central nervous system (CNS) (i.e., the brain and the spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) (i.e., the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the body).

  2. Two divisions of the PNS

    The PNS is subdivided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

  3. CNS and PNS maintain homeostasis

    Together the CNS and PNS communicate with each other, the organs, and the body to promote homeostasis.

  4. The body's control system

    The nervous system serves as the communication and control system for the human body.

  5. Memory, thought and speech

    This control system, which is essentially composed of all of the nerve cells in the body, regulates everything that we remember, think, and say.

  6. Movement, sensation and autonomic responses

    It also controls movement and sensation as well as the autonomic responses of breathing, blood pressure, and digestion.

  7. Outside world and internal organs

    It has the unique ability to interact with the environment as well as regulate the activities of the body’s internal organs.

  8. Every system depends on it

    Essentially, the nervous system propels the other systems of the body; no other system can function without input from the nervous system.

  9. Electrical and chemical signals

    It does so by its composition of structures that transmit electrical and chemical signals between the organs, tissues, and brain.

Terms to know

central nervous system
The nervous system is composed of the central nervous system (CNS) (i.e., the brain and the spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) (i.e., the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the body).

Practice questions

Stuck on select-all-that-apply? How to take them one option at a time.

The graded version needs JavaScript. Every question is below anyway, with the answer and why.

Every question here, with the answer

  1. A client with a spinal cord injury asks the nurse which part of the nervous system was damaged. Which answer is accurate?

    1. The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord
    2. The peripheral nervous system, which includes only the spinal cord
    3. The somatic nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord
    4. The autonomic nervous system, which includes only the brain

    Answer: The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord

    The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the body, and it is the PNS that divides into the somatic and autonomic systems.

  2. A nursing student is reviewing how the nervous system is organized. Which statement about the peripheral nervous system is correct?

    1. It is made up of the brain and spinal cord.
    2. It only controls memory and speech.
    3. It works independently of the central nervous system.
    4. It is subdivided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

    Answer: It is subdivided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

    The PNS is subdivided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The brain and spinal cord form the CNS, and the CNS and PNS communicate with each other rather than working independently.

  3. A nurse explains to a client's family why a neurologic illness can affect many body functions. Which functions does the nervous system control? Select all that apply.

    1. Breathing
    2. Movement and sensation
    3. Production of red blood cells in the bone marrow
    4. Digestion
    5. Blood pressure

    Answer: Breathing, Movement and sensation, Digestion, Blood pressure

    The nervous system controls movement and sensation as well as the autonomic responses of breathing, blood pressure, and digestion. Red blood cell production is not a function the section assigns to the nervous system.

  4. A client asks why a problem in the nervous system can affect the heart, lungs and gut at the same time. Which response by the nurse is best?

    1. The nervous system only affects memory.
    2. No other body system can function without input from the nervous system.
    3. The nervous system only controls voluntary movement.
    4. Each organ works fully on its own without nerve signals.

    Answer: No other body system can function without input from the nervous system.

    The nervous system propels the other systems of the body, and no other system can function without its input, so nervous system problems can affect many organs. The other options understate its role.

Where every quote comes from

Section 9.1 Introduction to the Nervous System of Pharmacology for Nurses by Tina Barbour-Taylor, Leah Mueller (Sabato), Donna Paris, Dorie Weaver, OpenStax, 2024. Read the whole section free at openstax.org.

The textbook is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. This page quotes it word for word and adds the headings, the order and the practice questions; references to the book's figures and stray spaces left by its formatting are removed. The page is shared under the same licence. Nothing here is sold.