Human Nervous System

Quick Answer: The human nervous system model is a whole-body anatomical model that traces the brain, spinal cord and the main peripheral nerves running to the trunk and limbs. It is used in biology, nursing and physiotherapy teaching to show how the central and peripheral nervous systems connect.

Central and Peripheral Nerves on One Model

A brain model or a spinal cord model stops at the edge of the central nervous system; a whole nervous system model follows the nerves out into the body. Models of this kind are commonly made as a relief figure on a backing board, with the nerves picked out in yellow against a body outline. The format, size and mounting of this listing are not given in its title.

Brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system. From them arise 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves, which make up the peripheral nervous system. Near the limbs the spinal nerves merge and regroup into networks called plexuses: the brachial plexus supplies the arm through the radial, median and ulnar nerves, and the lumbar and sacral plexuses supply the leg, including the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body.

Tracing a nerve from its origin to its target connects anatomy with everyday experience. The tingling of a knocked elbow comes from the ulnar nerve, which runs close to the surface there, and pain running down the back of the leg follows the course of the sciatic nerve.

Applications

• Distinguishing the central from the peripheral nervous system in secondary biology
• Tracing the brachial plexus and the radial, median and ulnar nerves with physiotherapy and nursing students
• Explaining why injections into the buttock are given in the upper outer quadrant, away from the sciatic nerve
• Linking reflexes and skin sensation to the spinal nerves that carry them

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Clean the human nervous system model with a dry, soft cloth; thin painted nerve lines can rub off if scrubbed.
• If the model is board-mounted, hang it from its fixing points rather than leaning it where it can slide and chip at the edges.
• Keep it out of strong sunlight so the colour contrast between nerves and background stays clear.

Why Choose LabEquip

Nursing, physiotherapy and school biology departments buy a nervous system model to show nerves in a way a brain model cannot. You will find it in LabEquip’s biology lab products, alongside the nervous system poster for classroom walls. Ask about format and size through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the central and peripheral nervous systems differ?

The brain and spinal cord form the central part, where signals are integrated and responses decided. Everything outside them, the cranial and spinal nerves with their branches and ganglia, forms the peripheral part, which links the centre to the skin, muscles and organs.

How are the 31 pairs of spinal nerves grouped?

By the region of the spine they leave: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral and 1 coccygeal pair. Each emerges between neighbouring vertebrae or through openings in the sacrum.

What is a nerve plexus?

A plexus is a network where the front branches of several spinal nerves join, divide and recombine before forming the named nerves of a limb. The brachial plexus serves the upper limb and the lumbosacral plexus serves the lower limb.

Why does hitting the elbow cause tingling in the fingers?

The ulnar nerve passes behind the medial epicondyle of the humerus with little padding over it. A knock there stimulates the nerve, and the sensation is felt along the little finger and part of the ring finger, which it supplies.

Does a whole-body nerve model show the autonomic nervous system?

Such models concentrate on the brain, cord and main spinal and limb nerves. The sympathetic chain may appear only in simple form or not at all, so a chart is often used for the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Which courses use a nervous system model?

It is used in secondary biology, nursing, physiotherapy, sports science and paramedical anatomy, wherever students must follow a nerve from the spinal cord to the muscles and skin it supplies.

Last Updated: September 2026