The Nervous System
Introduction
Did you know that the nervous system is considered one of the most complicated system in the human body? Without the nervous system, none of the other systems would function optimally.
The nervous system is responsible for the control of and communication between different parts of the body. It interprets the things your body senses and sends the information to the muscles and glands, telling them what to do. It also takes care of the systems you do not think of consciously, such as the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
Anatomy of the Nervous System
The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and nerves. The nervous system acts as a wire that transfers messages from the brain to the different parts of the body using the spinal cord, which contains nerves that connect to every organ and body part. The nervous system can be divided into the following:
1.
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The central nervous system: The brain and the spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS). The brain controls the body functions by sending and receiving messages through nerves. It is also aids in thought processing.
2. The peripheral nervous system: The network of nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and brain and spread out throughout the body form the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS carries messages to and from the CNS, which is responsible for the functioning of the limbs and organs of the body. Figure 1.1. – The Nervous System
Structure of the Brain
Protected within the skull, the brain is made up of three sections: the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem. The brain stem forms a link between the cerebrum and cerebellum and the spinal cord.
Figure 1.2 – Brain