The nervous system is a complex network of nerves, neurons, and supporting cells that coordinate and transmit information throughout the body.
It is responsible for sensing and responding to various internal and external stimuli, enabling organisms to interact with their environment and maintain homeostasis.
illustration of the nervous system, focusing on the complex network of nerves, neurons
The nervous system can be divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
It acts as the body's control center and is responsible for processing, integrating, and coordinating sensory information, motor commands, and higher cognitive functions.
I. Brain:
The brain is the primary organ of the CNS and is responsible for higher cognitive functions, such as perception, reasoning, decision-making, learning, and memory.
It has several distinct regions, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, each with specific functions.
II. Spinal Cord:
The spinal cord is a long, tubular structure that extends from the brainstem and runs down the vertebral column.
It serves as a communication pathway between the brain and the PNS, transmitting sensory information to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the body.
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The PNS includes all the nerves and ganglia (clusters of nerve cell bodies) outside the CNS.
It connects the CNS to the rest of the body, transmitting sensory information from the body to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to the muscles, glands, and organs.
The PNS can be further divided into two main subsystems: