Diagram of Nervous System (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

**A diagram of nervous system helps us to understand its structure and function. The nervous system is a network of nerve cells, or neurons that transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The diagram of nervous system class 10 is an important topic of the biology syllabus. The nervous system controls all of the body's functions, including movement, breathing, digestion, and thinking.

A well-labeled diagram of nervous system is given below:

Table of Content

• What is Nervous System?
• Structure of Nervous System Diagram With Explanations
• What are the Functions of Nervous System?
• Conclusion: Diagram of Nervous System
• FAQs on Diagram of Nervous System

**What is Nervous System?

The diagram of nervous system shows a complex network of nerves, the brain, and the spinal cord that sends messages between the brain and the body. It consists of the central nervous system (CNS), composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), made up of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. The nervous system function to control all of the body's functions, including breathing, heartbeat, digestion, and movement. It also controls our thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Structure of Nervous System Diagram With Explanations

The diagram of nervous system shows that it is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the **peripheral nervous system ****(PNS).**

**Central Nervous System (CNS)

**Central Nervous System function as the command center, processes information from the body and coordinate various functions, including thought, sensation, memory, and emotion. The **Central Nervous System parts consists of the brain and spinal cord.

**Brain

The brain is the control center of the nervous system and is responsible for processing sensory information, initiating responses, and controlling bodily functions. The brain structure diagram is given below.

The brain parts and functions are given below:

• Forebrain: The forebrain is the anterior and largest part of the brain, consists of the cerebrum, thalamus and hypothalamus.
  • **Cerebrum: It forms the largest part of the brain. It is divided into left and right hemispheres and is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary actions. It is divided into lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, each with specific functions.
  • **Thalamus: It is located at the top of the brainstem and acts as a relay station for sensory information.
  • **Hypothalamus: It is present below the thalamus and regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and controls the pituitary gland, which is the master gland of the endocrine system.
• Midbrain: Midbrain is located between the forebrain and hindbrain. It is divided into:
  • **Tectum: It is located dorsally and is involved in auditory and visual reflexes.
  • **Tegmentum: Situated beneath the rectum and involved in motor functions, pain perception, and arousal.
  • **Substantia Nigra: It produces dopamine and involved in movement control.
• **Hindbrain: It is the posterior part of the brain. It is divided into:
  • **Cerebellum: It is located beneath the cerebrum at the back of the brain and coordinates voluntary movements, posture, and balance.
  • **Pons: Present above the medulla oblongata and below the midbrain. It connects different regions of the brain and is involved in regulating breathing and sleep.
  • **Medulla Oblongata: It connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates basic life functions including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It is also involved in reflexes such as coughing, sneezing, and swallowing.
• **Brainstem: Connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates basic involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure.
• **Spinal Cord****:** It is a long, tubular structure that extends from the base of the brain down the back. Spinal cord function as a pathway for transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also plays a role in reflex actions.

**Also Read: Difference Between Cerebellum And Cerebrum

**Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

• The **Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all the nerves and ganglia outside the CNS.
• **Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) can be divided into two parts:
  • **Somatic Nervous System****:** Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information from the body to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles.
  • **Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular secretion. Automated nervous system subdivisions are:
    * **Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for emergencies by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to muscles.
    * **Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes the "rest and digest" response, conserving energy and maintaining bodily functions at rest.

**Also Read: Difference Between Sympathetic And Parasympathetic

**Neurons

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the nervous system. They consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.

• **Cell Body: It contains the nucleus and other organelles necessary for the neuron's metabolic functions.
• **Dendrites: It is a branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.
• **Axon: Axon is a long, slender projection that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
• **Synapse: The junction between neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals to the next neuron.

**Glial Cells

Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons and help maintain the overall structure and function of the nervous system. Types of glial cells include:

• **Astrocytes: It regulate the chemical environment around neurons, provide nutrients, and form the blood-brain barrier.
• **Oligodendrocytes and Schwann Cells: It produce myelin, a fatty substance that insulates axons and enhances signal transmission.
• **Microglia: It act as the immune cells of the CNS which protect against pathogens and clear cellular debris.

**Also Read: Difference Between Neurons And Neuroglia

What are the Functions of Nervous System?

The diagram of nervous system makes the study of functions easier. Some of the functions are:

• The nervous system receives and interprets sensory information such as touch, hearing, taste, smell, vision, and sounds.
• It combines sensory information with higher brain functions such as memory, emotion, or learning.
• The nervous system generates responses to stimuli.
• The nervous system controls movement, balance, and coordination.
• Maintains involuntary functions like heartbeat.
• It also helps in maintaining homeostasis.

Conclusion: Diagram of Nervous System

The labeled diagram of nervous system shows a network of nerve cells, or neurons, that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The nervous system is made up of two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body. It controls all the body's functions, including the ability to move, breathe, see, and think.

**Also Read:

• Diagram of Nerve Cell with Labelling
• Nervous Tissue - Definition, Characteristics, Functions