The Nervous System
The human nervous system is the control center of the body, monitoring conditions within and outside the body and sending out electrical signals to respond to them. Web sites explaining the system can be found in all levels of complexity, from child-friendly to extremely technical. No matter your level of scientific aptitude, we’ve found Web sites that explain how the brain and body transmit signals back and forth to interpret and respond to stimuli, control motion and regulate bodily functions.
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Expand All Guide SectionsNervous System Basics
The nervous system consists of a highly specialized network of cells called neurons that transmit electrochemical signals throughout the body; there are a hundred billion neurons in the brain alone. This section highlights the best places on the Web to learn about the human nervous system, from how the five senses work to technical aspects such as the mechanism by which action potential transmits sensory input to the brain.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Most of these sites contain impressive graphics. If you’re searching the subject purely out of curiosity, visiting various sites to view the illustrations can give you a fascinating introduction to the topic.
- The nervous system’s billions of sensors’ responses to stimuli are all interpreted in the brain. To find out more about how the brain works, visit the findingDulcinea Science of the Brain Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
Human Anatomy Online enables you to navigate the nervous system by clicking on parts in a diagram to bring up a definition and, in some cases, zoom in repeatedly for more and more detail.
The University of Cincinnati Clermont College Biology Department provides a succinct yet comprehensive discussion of the nervous system that includes numerous detailed drawings. Additionally, keywords are highlighted and, when clicked on, bring up a window with the definition and derivation.
Michael J. Farabee, Ph.D. , a biology professor at Estrella Mountain Community College, provides a thorough examination of the nervous system with numerous detailed diagrams, charts and slides. Keywords and technical terminology are linked directly to a glossary.
The Nervous System for Kids
Whether you’re teaching a class about the systems of the body or simply looking to reassure ... read more »
Advanced Neuroscience Resources
Whether you’re a college biology student or medical student searching for information to help ... read more »
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