The nervous system includes both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Together, it is a complex collection of nerves and neurons, specialized cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
The central nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. While the peripheral nervous system consists of sensory neurons, groups of neurons (ganglia) and different nerves that connect both with the central nervous system and with each other.
It is considered the most complex body system , which is itself highly organized. It receives information from the sensory organs through the nerves, transmits the information through the spinal cord, and finally processes it in the brain.
Every day, every moment, we interact with the environment. Therefore, it is logical that to take advantage of any benefits and avoid possible risks or dangers, we need a way to monitor the environment and respond in the most appropriate way. In short, this is the very important job that our nervous system does.
First, the nervous system collects sensory information from both the body and the outside . Then that information is processed and interpreted. And finally, the nervous system responds appropriately.
But not everything is as simple as we think at first. Nerves have a wire-like structure inside the body , designed to conduct nerve impulses that transmit information from one part of the body to another. It is made up of a bundle of fibers that wrap around layers of tissue and fat, and spread throughout the body.
The nervous system directs our body’s reactions to the world, while also controlling most of our internal functions, from blood vessel dilation to muscle movement. And how do you manage everything? Sending ultra-fast electrical and chemical signals between cells .
Together, the central nervous system and peripheral nervous systems transmit and process sensory information and coordinate bodily functions. Both the brain and the spinal cord function as a kind of control center , since they receive data and feedback from sensory organs and nerves throughout the body, process it and send commands.
Then the nerve pathways of the peripheral nervous system carry the incoming and outgoing signals.
Nervous system and brain conditions are common. Some neurological disorders include:
- Multiple sclerosis. It is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the protective layer that surrounds the nerve fibers (myelin).
- Epilepsy. It is a chronic disorder that causes recurrent seizures due to a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain.
- Parkinson’s disease. It consists of a progressive neurological disorder that mainly affects movement.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is a disease that refers to a group of progressive neurological diseases that cause a dysfunction in the nerves that control muscle movement.
- Alzheimer disease. It is a progressive form of dementia, negatively affecting memory, thinking and behavior.
- Huntington’s disease. An inherited condition that causes nerve cells in the brain to degenerate.
