The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and specialized cells (neurons) that send electrical signals from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of our body. It is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and all the nerves in the body. Furthermore, it is considered to be divided into two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
The central nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. On the other hand, the peripheral nervous system is made up of sensory neurons, ganglia (a type of neuron), and nerves that connect to the central nervous system.
Likewise, we must differentiate between the voluntary nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The voluntary nervous system is in charge of capturing information from the outside through the senses to give a response in the form of movement or action, while the autonomic nervous system controls the action of the glands and the functions of the respiratory and circulatory system, among others. .
This system is in charge of regulating certain bodily processes such as blood pressure and respiratory rate. In addition, it also connects the brain and spinal cord with the muscles and sensory receptors in the skin.
Functioning of the nervous system
Nerves are the conductive structures that begin in the brain and branch out to all parts of the body. Neurons (which are the cells of the nervous system) send signals to other cells through thin fibers (axons) that release a chemical known as a neurotransmitter.
According to Sebastian Seung, Professor of Computational Neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, humans have more than 100 billion neurons and more than 1 billion neuronal connections in the brain, although the exact number and location may vary.
On the other hand, a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that the brains of highly creative people have more connections between three specific brain regions than less creative thinkers.
When sensory neurons react to physical stimuli such as sound, light, or touch, they send feedback to the central nervous system about the environment around the body. At the same time, motor neurons found in the central nervous system or peripheral ganglia transmit signals to activate muscles or glands.
We can also find glial cells in the nervous system which, according to the University of Oregon Health and Sciences Institute, are responsible for supporting, protecting and nourishing nerve cells.
