What is a nervous system concept map?
The key accuracy rule is to keep anatomical and functional classifications distinct. OpenStax divides the nervous system anatomically into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), while also describing functional divisions such as sensory/motor and somatic/autonomic control. Cleveland Clinic likewise defines the PNS as the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.
Evidence check: OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology · Cleveland Clinic PNS overview
Who's not familiar with the nervous system? You bet everyone knows since it serves as your body's command center. Without it, all other parts of the body will never function. It controls almost everything in your body, from your movements, automatic responses, thoughts, breathing, digestion, and sexual development.
To illustrate these functions and processes can be a handful. It might take you several days or weeks to present connections of each process. Sure, you can always rely on science books to explain for you; however, some learners might find it challenging to understand through reading sentences and paragraphs. In some cases, they can get a better grasp of the functions through visual illustrations.
Here lies the method of concept mapping. A nervous system concept map is a graphical illustration of several processes associated with the nervous system.
Benefits of using a nervous system concept map
Best fit: anatomy review, exam preparation, and explaining how structures and functions connect. Use labeled connectors such as “contains,” “carries signals to,” “controls,” and “divides into” to make the relationships explicit.
Limitation: a single map can become misleading if it tries to combine anatomy, physiology, pathways, and disease detail at the same depth. For advanced study, create separate maps for structural divisions, functional pathways, and specific systems.
The nervous system involves not only the processes but also the possible diseases, illnesses, and other abnormalities that might affect bodily functions. A concept map allows you to focus on a particular nervous system component and explains its role and related organs.
Suppose you just want to introduce the nervous system; you can create a general diagram illustrating the macro perspective of the subject. A concept map also provides an interactive approach as creators can add images and essential links so viewers can visually grasp the concept of the diagram.
Nervous System Concept Map Templates
Concept maps concerning the nervous system can come in several forms and designs. Below are some template examples which you can use as references:
Example 1
The concept map below illustrates the components of the peripheral nerves. It is one of the two main parts of the nervous system, which comprises the several nerves which start from the central nervous system all over the human body. The system sends information from the human brain and spinal cord to the organs, legs, arms, toes, and fingers.
