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 ... read more »
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 reinforce complex topics, a professor looking for supplemental lecture material or a researcher looking for PET scan images, you’ll find all this and more at the Web sites below.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Professors should note that, although many of the drawings shown on the sites in this section may look nontechnical, they can be very useful in helping students conceptualize complex topics.
Dulcinea's Picks
Biology Mad ’s “Introduction to the Human Nervous System” shows a table of all parts of the nervous system; click on one for an extensive and thorough explanation including detailed diagrams and slides.
Physical Factors Behind the Action Potential is a tutorial that discusses the basic chemistry and physics involved in generating and sustaining the action potential. It includes animated illustrations and a glossary to which technical terms are linked. The material on this site would be appropriate for advanced high school or introductory college biology courses.
Excitable cells discusses the biochemistry behind the transmission of electric current that transmits signals through neurons and that causes muscles to contract. It includes simple, informative illustrations, and all technical terms are linked to a glossary.
The Sumanas, Inc. Web site includes 14 highly technical tutorials pertaining to the nervous system, including electrical signaling in neurons, reflex arcs and synaptic transmission. Each tutorial is animated and has audio and text versions.
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