Today was a busy day! First we reviewed Nikki's homework. She did a beautiful drawing of the homunculus (spelling was reemphasized). The drawing demonstrated how some parts of the body are disproportionately represented based on the different number of neurons needed for the function of individual body parts; we discussed this in more detail. We also reviewed what dermatomes are and discussed how that relates to the disease called Shingles.
Next, we discussed and illustrated the components of the central and peripheral nervous systems. We then focused on the neuron, the cell type that makes up the nervous system. We discussed how it is uniquely adapted for the conduction of electrical signals throughout the body. Integrating form and function, we discussed and illustrated the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system interacts with the outside world; hence, there are sensory and motor components of the somatic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system deals more with one's organs and functions more automatically; as part of that discussion, we differentiated between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Lastly, we circled back to the functions of the different parts of the brain, how the brain has two hemispheres, and how the different hemispheres control the different sides of the body. We used the example of a stroke, or a blood clot to parts of the brain, to illustrate how that would affect functions in different parts of the body.
Nikki was very engaged and inquisitive. We had a wonderful lesson.