The human body uses two systems to coordinate and integrate the functions of the other body systems so that the internal environment remains stable. These systems are the nervous system and the endocrine system. Chapters 10 and 11 focus on the nervous system (objective 1). Chapter 10 concentrates on the structure and function of the nervous system at the cellular level (objectives 2, 3, 5, and 6-11). Regeneration of injured nerve fibers is discussed (objective 4), and reflex behavior is explained (objectives 12 and 13).

Knowledge of the cellular components of the nervous system is necessary for understanding how the nervous system coordinates body functions.