British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Environmental Science Glossary - Nervous system definition

Definition: The nervous system controls two main ways of communication in the body - hormones and nerve signals. For this definition, the nerve signals in the nervous system are explained. The nervous system itself has 2 branches, the first being the brain and the spinal cord, and the second being the extended nervous system in the body. The extended nervous system has nerve cells, including nuclei. The nerve cell chain carries impulses throughout the body. An example is when you touch hot water, an impulse immediately shoots up the arm to the brain and the motor areas. The brain registers the pain, and you say, 'Ow!', and your hand moves away immediately, preventing further injury.