SELF-LEARNING HOME TASK (SLHT)

Subject SCIENCE Grade 10 Level JHS Quarter 3 Week 3

MELC Describe how the nervous system coordinates and regulates these feedback
mechanisms to maintain homeostasis
K- Describe how the nervous system coordinates and regulates the feedback
mechanisms to maintain homeostasis
S- Sort out organs that belong to the different organ systems of the human body
A- Carry out tasks with perseverance and ingenuity
Competency Code S10LT-IIIc-36
Name __________________________ Section ________________ Date ________

School _________________________ District __________________________

A. Readings & Discussions

The Nervous System

The human body is made up of different systems that coordinate with one
another in order to perform their functions well. If any part of these organ systems
malfunctions, the body will become unbalanced. The instability caused by the
malfunctioning of one system cannot be made stable by other systems because
each system has its own function in the body.

The nervous system controls and interprets all the activities that happen within
the body. It enables us to move, think, feel pain, or enjoy the taste of food. It
makes the body respond quickly to changes in the environment by accomplishing
four basic functions: gathers information both from the outside world and from
inside the body, transmits information to the processing areas in the brain and
spinal cord, processes information to determine the best response and lastly,
sends information to muscles, glands, and organs so they can respond correctly.

The nervous system is constantly alive with activities. It buzzes with messages
that run to and from all parts of the body. Every second, hundreds of these
messages are carried by strings of special cells called neurons (noo-ruhns) or
nerve cells. Neurons are the basic functional units of structure and function of the
nervous system. They carry information through the nervous system in the form of
nerve impulses. Neurons are unique because unlike most other cells in the body,
they do not reproduce. Once damaged, neurons cannot be replaced. This is not a
cause for concern, however, because the neurons we are born with are more than
enough for a lifetime. There are twelve to fourteen billion of neurons in one part of
the brain alone.

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 Figure 1: Parts of a Neuron

Source:https://www.google.com/search?
q=neuron&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd3rfV3qTuAhWsKqYKHYqoDTYQ_AUoAXoECBkQAw&biw=1280&bi
h=610#imgrc=icMW8wI0p247aM

1. Dendrites- tiny
threadlike structures
which receive and carry
information towards the
cell body; a cell may
have as many as 200
dendrites; it can be over
one meter long
2. Cell body- contains the
nucleus which controls all the activities of the cell
3.Axons- long, taillike fiber that extends from the cell body and carry messages away
from the cell body
3.a. Myelin Sheath- covers the axon which speeds up the travel of nerve
impulses; produced by Schwann cells; contains periodic gaps called Node of
Ranvier
3.b. Axon terminals- featherlike fibers at the far end of the axon which pass on
messages to the dendrites of other neurons.
Types of Neurons
1. Sensory Neurons- also called afferent neurons because their function is to
receive initial stimuli from the sense organs, where most of the receptors are
located.
Example: Press your finger against the edge of the table. What happens? You feel
the pressure of the table pushing onto your skin. You may even feel some
discomfort or pain if you press hard enough. Eventually, you remove your finger
from this position.
Explanation: When you press your finger harder on the table, the receptors
(receives signal) in your skin sends signals to the sensory neurons (detect
information). The sensory neuron in your finger then transmits impulses to other
sensory neurons, until the impulse reaches the next type of neuron, the
interneuron. The sensory neuron’s goal is to transmit the nerve impulses to the
spinal cord and ultimately, to the brain so an action can be taken.
2. Interneurons- also called connector neurons or association neurons. They read
impulses received from sensory neurons. That is why they are found in the spinal
cord and in the brain. When an interneuron receives an impulse from a sensory
neuron, it determines what response should be generated. If a response is
required, it passes the impulse on to the motor neurons.
3. Motor Neurons- also called efferent neurons. They transmit impulses from the
brain and the spinal cord to the effector cells (cells that actively responds to
stimulus and effect change), which may be those of muscles, organs or glands.
When motor neurons receive a signal from the interneuron, they stimulate the
effector cells to generate the reaction for the stimulus.
For example, when one already feels pain from pressing a finger hard on a table,

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the motor neurons carry impulses to the muscles of the hand to stimulate the
muscles to pull the finger away from the table.
Nerve Impulse- is a wave of chemical and electrical change that is conducted
along the membrane of a neuron. It travels from sensory neuron to interneuron to
motor neuron. The nerve impulse enters the neuron through the dendrites and
travels along the length of the axon. Neurons do not touch each other, neither do
they touch effector organs. Instead, there is a tiny gap called a synapse between
the two adjacent neurons, and also between neurons and effectors. A nerve
impulse is carried across the synapse by a chemical signal. This happens when an
impulse reaches the end of the axon, sending the information across the synapse
in the form of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which are stored in
small sacs. When a nerve impulse reaches the axon terminal, the sac fuse with the
axon’s membrane and releases its neurotransmitter molecules into the synapse.
The molecules then diffuse across the synapse and bind to receptors onto the next
neuron or effector cell. The electrical signal that brought the nerve impulse to this
point shuts down, and the chemical signal take the nerve impulse aboard, moving
it across the synapse to the next neuron along its route. The chemical signal then
triggers the electrical signal again, and the whole process is repeated between the
next neurons until the nerve impulse reaches its destination- the effector neuron
which then triggers the organ muscles to respond accordingly. One of the simplest
responses of the nervous system is called a reflex. It is an automatic response to
a change in the environment.
The nervous system is assisted by five sense organs - the eyes, ears, nose,
tongue, and skin. These sense organs are constantly receiving information from
the environment and sending messages to the brain. These senses aid in the
survival of human beings. A stimulus (plural: stimuli) is any factor in the
environment that may trigger a nerve impulse. A response is a reaction to a
stimulus. A stimulus is received by the body and a response is made. An organism
must be able to respond to a stimulus in order to survive. Messages do not travel
in both directions along the same neuron. Only the axon of the neuron releases
neurotransmitters that cross the space between neurons. Reaction time is the
length of time between application of a stimulus and detection of a response.
Major Divisions and Parts of the Nervous System
1. Central Nervous System (CNS)- the main processing center for the entire
nervous system
A. Brain- organ located within the skull that functions as organizer and
distributor of information for the body. It is a delicate organ that is well protected
and encased in a bone called the skull. It is wrapped in three layers of connective
tissue that nourishes and protects it. It is also bathed with a watery fluid that
cushions it against sudden impact, such as when one bumps the head or
experience a nasty fall. It appears gray because of the presence of the cell bodies
of approximately 100 billion neurons. Underneath the gray material is the white
material, which is made up of bundles of axons. Despite the presence of billions of
neurons, the mass of the brain is about 1.4 kilograms only. It has three main parts:
A.1. Cerebrum- large, upper part of the brain that controls activity and
thought. It makes up 85% of the human brain. The surface of the cerebrum is

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called the cerebral cortex, which is lined with deep, wrinkled grooves that
increase the surface area so that more thinking activities can occur. This is the
area where learning, intelligence, and judgment occur. Aside from this enormous
task, the cerebral cortex also controls all the voluntary (under one’s control)
activities of the body. In addition, it shapes the attitudes, emotions, and even the
personality of the individual. The cerebrum is divided into two halves: A right half
and a left half. Each half controls different kinds of mental activity. The right half is
associated with artistic ability and the left half with mathematical or logical ability.
Note that each half controls the movement of, and send sensations to, the side
opposite it. In other words, the right side of the brain controls the left side of the
body, while the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body.
A.2. Cerebellum- the part under the cerebrum that controls posture, balance,
and coordination. It is the second largest part of the brain and is located behind the
brain stem.
A.3. Brain Stem- the part that connects the brain to the spinal cord and
controls automatic functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, and blood
pressure. Three distinct regions make up the brain stem: the midbrain, pons and
the medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata controls involuntary actions such as
heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure. The midbrain processes visual and
auditory reflexes. The pons helps control respiratory functions. Two other
important structures are found in the brain stem: the thalamus and the
hypothalamus. The thalamus serves as a relay station by directing incoming
messages from the spinal cord to the appropriate parts of the brain. The
hypothalamus, on the other hand, monitors internal conditions such as water
content and temperature. It acts as the link between the endocrine and nervous
systems.
B. Spinal Cord - serves as a channel for signals between the brain and the rest
of the body, and controls simple musculoskeletal reflexes without input from the
brain. It is a tube-like organ of neurons and blood vessels. Located inside the
backbone, or spine, the spinal cord is about 1.8 cm wide, nearly the same size as
a garden hose. Aside from the bones of the spine, three membranes called
meninges, cushions of fluid, protect the spinal cord.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)- is the link between the central nervous
system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. It is made up of bundled
ropelike structures called nerves, which extend or branch out from the central
nervous system to the different organs of the body. The PNS gathers and delivers
information to and from the central nervous system. It has two main divisions:
A. Somatic Nervous System- associated with the voluntary control of body
movements and has two main parts:
A.1. Spinal Nerves – the nerves that carry motor and sensory signals
between the spinal cord and the body.
A.2. Cranial Nerves – the nerve fibers that carry information into and out of
the brain stem.
B. Autonomic Nervous System - associated with the involuntary control of
body movements and has two subdivisions:
B.1. Sympathetic - it is activated when the body is in a dynamic role or

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stress. (e.g., increased heart rate and breathing, dilation of pupil, sweating, etc.) It
controls the “fight-or-flight” response during a stressful situation like nervousness
we experience when speaking before an audience or taking a surprise quiz. When
we are frightened, the nerves leading to organs, such as the lungs and the heart,
are activated. The sympathetic division increases blood pressure, heart rate, and
breathing rate. Such an increase may be necessary when extra energy and
strength are needed to deal with the stressful situation.
B.2. Parasympathetic- is most active under normal conditions; it keeps
the body functioning even when the person is not active. It maintains body
functions and restores the body to normal or relaxed mode. For instance, we
continue to breathe while sleeping. When an emergency situation is also over, the
parasympathetic nerves bring the blood pressure, breathing rate, and heartbeat
back to normal.
Nervous System Working Together with Endocrine System to Maintain
Homeostasis
Both the nervous system and endocrine system are important in enabling the
body to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the state reached when each part
of the body functions in equilibrium with other parts. This is attained through the
regulation of the bodily functions by the endocrine and nervous systems. Most
body systems maintain homeostasis by using feedback mechanisms. When the
brain receives messages from the body about an internal change in one of its
systems, it works to restore the system to its normal state. The levels of hormones
in the body are controlled by feedback. It is important that the amount of hormones
in our body is kept at the right level. The endocrine system plays an important part
in homeostasis. To achieve homeostasis, the nervous and endocrine systems
maintain a normal range of the following variables: body temperature, amount of
water in the body, amount of metabolic wastes in the cell, blood calcium level and
hormones in the blood.
The body has the ability to control and coordinate the activities of all its parts.
This characteristic is due to the presence of two organ systems, the nervous and
endocrine systems. The nervous system enables the body to gather information
from the outside environment and respond quickly. The endocrine system on the
other hand, although slow in terms of response, produces long-lasting effect due to
the hormones. Both the nervous and endocrine systems interact to coordinate the
body’s activities.
B. Exercises

Exercise 1

Directions: Study each set of diagrams showing different organs of the human
body. Then, determine which organ does not belong to the group by naming it on
the space provided, on the second column of the table. Lastly, write your
explanation on the third column why the organ should not be included in the group.
(2pts each number)

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 www.meddean.luc.edu
semmelweis.hu
Group of Organs Odd-One-Out Reason Pinterest
Canadian
PNGitem
TeachMeAnatomy
Pinterest
DoltBeforeMe
TeachMeAnatomy
Cancer Society
Example: Pinterest
TeachMeAnatomy
Wayfair semmelweis.hu
Lumen Learning
Pinterest
Getty Images
The testis belongs to the male
reproductive system while the
Testis
rest of the organs belong to the
female reproductive system.

1.

2.

3.

Exercise 2
Directions: Read and analyze the questions that follow, then answer
accordingly on a separate sheet of paper.

1. How will you differentiate the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral
Nervous System (PNS) in terms of their functions?
2. What might happen to the human body if one part of the nervous system fails to
carry out its function properly?
3. What might happen to a person whose nervous and endocrine system fail to

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 maintain homeostasis?
4. How do the nervous and endocrine systems respond to an increase in
environmental temperature to achieve homeostasis?
5. Suppose a girl ate too many sweets such as candies and chocolates. How will
the
hormones (insulin) from her pancreas help her body cope with a possible blood
sugar level rise above normal?

C. Assessment/Application/Outputs (Please refer to DepEd Order No. 31, s. 2020)

Directions: Read and analyze the questions that follow and choose the letter of
the correct answer. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. The following are parts of the central nervous system except _____.
A. cranial nerves B. neurons C. spinal cord D. thymus
2. It conducts impulses away from the neuron’s cell body.
A. axon B. dendrite C. myelin sheath D. synapse
3. The peripheral nervous system included the _____.
A. brain B. nerves C. spinal cord D. synapse
4. The cerebellum is the site for managing _____.
A. balance B. behavior C. motor activity D. respiration
5. The direction an impulse travel along a neuron is from __________
A. axon to axon B. dendrite to axon
C. axon to dendrite D. dendrite to dendrite
6. It controls the “fight-or-flight” response that we experience during a stressful
situation.
A. central nervous system B. somatic nervous system
C. sympathetic nervous system D. parasympathetic division
7. It is the basic unit of the nervous system.
A. glial cell B. meninges C. neuron D. cerebral fluid
8. A neuron with a cell body located in the CNS whose primary function is
connecting
other neurons is called a(n) _____.
A. glial cell B. interneuron C. afferent neuron D. efferent
neuron
9. The substance that is released at axonal endings to propagate a nervous
impulse

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 is called _____.
A. an ion B. nerve glue C. a neurotransmitter D. an action
potential
10. The midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata are housed in the ______.
A. brain stem B. cerebellum C. diencephalon D.
hypothalamus
D. Suggested Enrichment/Reinforcement Activity/ies

Directions: Using the given graphic organizer, fill in the missing parts to complete
the entire concept showing the structure of the nervous system.

Main Divisions

Example: 1. Central Nervous System

References:

Department of Education, Science 10 Learner’s Material First Edition 2015, pages 226-239, 255
Department of Education, Science 10 Teacher’s Guide First Edition 2015, pages 166- 175, 183
Exploring Life Through Science Series, The New Grade 10 (Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.), pages
250-268

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Lentz, Thomas L. Professor of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New haven,
Connecticut. Encyclopedia Britannica. “Nervous System”. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
https://www.britannica.com/science/nervous-system

OER Services. Anatomy and Physiology 1. Module 14: The Nervous System and Nervous Tissue.
“Basic Structure and Function of the Nervous System”.

Prepared by:

JAZAEL C. BAYLOSIS

TIII- Dalaguete NHS

Edited/Reviewed by:

JUVIMAR E. MONTOLO

Education Program Supervisor- Science

GUIDE

For the Teacher:

Advise the students to read the Reading and Discussion portion before they attempt to
answer the practice exercises. Let the learners go through the parts sequentially to help
them understand the topic easily. The key answers are for you to refer during the checking.
Don’t include it in the printing.
For the Learner:
Read thoroughly and understand the Self-Learning Home Task from the first part to the
last part. By doing so, will help you understand better the topic. If you still have enough time,
do it twice for more understanding. You can use a dictionary if you find it hard to
comprehend the science terms. Use a separate sheet for your answers.

For the Parent/Home Tutor:

Assist your child and make sure that he/she reads the Self-Learning Home Task from
the beginning up to end, to ensure proper understanding of the concepts. Don’t feed the
answer to your child. Let him/her do it on his own.

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ANSWER KEY

Exercise 1.

1. Heart- The heart is a part of the circulatory system, while all the rest are parts
of the nervous system.
2. Skull- The skull is a part of the skeletal system, while the rest are parts of the
endocrine system.
3. Intestines- The intestines are part of the digestive system, while the rest of the
organs belong to the male reproductive system.

Exercise 2

1. The Central Nervous System (CNS) serves as the main processing center for the
entire nervous system while the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) connects the
central nervous system to the organs and limbs by relaying information through the
nerves.
2. All the other parts of the nervous system will not be able to carry out their
corresponding functions, and the other body systems will be affected as well.
3. Failure in homeostasis can be potentially dangerous to a person as it may lead to
various diseases and even death.
4. The nervous and endocrine systems work together to lower the temperature of
the internal organs such as by producing sweat to cool the body down.
5. Insulin is released in response to an increase in blood glucose level due to eating
sweets, thus decreasing blood sugar into normal level.

ASSESSMENT

1. D 2. A 3. B 4. A 5. B 6. C 7. C 8. B 9. C 10. A

ENRICHMENT

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1. Central Nervous System (already given as an example)
2. Peripheral Nervous System
3. Spinal Cord
4. Autonomic Nervous System
(For numbers 5-7: in any order)
5. Cerebrum
6. Cerebellum
7. Brain Stem
(For numbers 8-9: in any order)
8. Spinal Nerves
9. Cranial Nerves
(For numbers 10-11: in any order)
10. Sympathetic
11. Parasympathetic

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