IGCSEBiologyCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes14. Coordination & ResponseCoordination, Response & HomeostasisMammalian Nervous System

Mammalian Nervous System (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 0610 & 0970

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Updated on

Structure & role of the mammalian nervous system

  • The human nervous system consists of the:

    • central nervous system (CNS) - the brain and the spinal cord

    • peripheral nervous system (PNS) - all of the nerves in the body

  • The nervous system allows the body to:

    • make sense of our surroundings and respond to them

    • coordinate and regulate body functions

  • Information is sent through the nervous system as nerve impulses - electrical signals that pass along nerve cells known as neurones

  • A bundle of neurones is known as a nerve

Diagram of the human nervous system showing CNS (brain and spinal cord), PNS nerves, a cross‑section of a nerve bundle, and a single neurone.
The human nervous system

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Author
Reviewer
Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Content Creator

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Jenna Quinn

Reviewer: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Content Creator

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.