Nervous System
Nervous System
The Nervous System is a complex network of nerves and cells, known as neurons, that transmit signals between different parts of the body. It is essentially the body's electrical wiring and is fundamental to everything humans experience. The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Central Nervous System
The central nervous system is the control center of the body. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is the most complex organ in the body and controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and every process that regulates our body. The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the brain. Its main function is to transmit neural signals from the brain to the rest of the body.
Peripheral Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. It is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for coordinating the body's movements, and also for receiving external stimuli. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
Function
The nervous system helps all the parts of the body to communicate with each other. It also controls numerous body functions like the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, reflexes and body temperature. The nervous system allows organisms to interact with the environment by coordinating sensory and motor information.
Disorders of the Nervous System
There are many disorders of the nervous system that can occur, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease. These disorders can have a significant impact on the life of the individual affected, and research is ongoing to find treatments and cures.
See Also
WikiMD neurology
External links
- Comprehensive information from the National Institute of health.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
